h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

HELLFIRE: Infernal

The tall figure stood overseeing the current situation through the vast transparent orb. It stood in the pedestal, shaped like a skeletal hand composed of blackened, twisted rock.
He appeared to be standing in a vast fiery cavern, ancient stalactites hung from the rough, uneven ceiling as below the ledge he stood on, there flowed molten magma. A place as dead to the world as the figure who stood over it.

Beneath his darkened robes, his eyes stared down into the orb and his scarred relic of a mouth twisted the sinew into a rictus grin.

'Doctor, how long has it been since I last saw you?' the figure hissed, his vocal cords like the rest of him were dead or decaying.

'Your new life stands out before you as mine rots in this world but you will come to me Doctor, the TARDIS is under my control!' the figure hissed.

He raised a dead hand to the side of the orb and finely wove it about across the surface.

As the screen changed, it displayed the interior of the TARDIS, the Doctor resting over the controls.

The figure would drooled had he held liquid but he was rotting, beneath the hood he grinned more so revealing more and more of his blackened, sharp teeth.

'The Doctor, a new regeneration. I shall enjoy new life, new movement outside this infernal place. Do you hear me Doctor? No, you could never hear me? A pity' the figure hissed.

The Doctor, seemingly unaware of the presence pressed the final control before crossing over to the table.

There he now sat in the comfortable looking armchair and picked free the waiting book, now lying vacant.

Pressing the control on the side, the figure hissed a strangled cackle.

'You will rest now Doctor but I have waited for this time. You believe yourself safe but you are not, this Gallifrey you interfered in my affairs!' the creature hissed.

His face now met the glow of the screen, no longer covered in warm flesh but cold and dead, barely a face but a grinning skull awaited, bulging rounded eyes stared menacingly from its sockets.

'As long as you live Doctor I will have my vengeance, as long as you breathe I will continue. Gallifrey will fall and will be its Master but not yet!' the figure pressed a control and orb faded.

He raised his dead hands to the air and cackled hard to the biting heat, it wouldn't affect him not even death could claim him.

He was its Master.

Upon entering a vast baroque hall carved out a rough cavern, pale white rock glinted in the distant light while dominating the centre of the room sat a long baronial table.
The tall, hooded figure glided down the rough steps to address the beings who sat at the table.

'Welcome gentlemen, I trust you arrived safely?' the figure asked as he stood there, his voice cut like glass through the air instilling silence in all of them.

'Safe enough? Why did you choose such a world as this to make this meeting?' grunted a fat, rounded man with a pig-like face.

'It suits my needs. You are the most pathetic creatures assembled here, may you be humans, Martians, Sontarans, Skellans or Werelox; you all have one redeeming feature you are perfect at your profession!' the figure hissed.

'Depends what you want done? This heat, I need water' rasped the vicious looking Werelox.

'You will gain all your rewards once your assignments have been completed. I have little tolerance for cretins like you!' the figure spat.

The burning coals in the werelox's eyes were staring in anger at the figure; his lips quivered baring giant fangs.

'You will get me water or I'll tear out your heart and eat it!' the monster snarled.

'Silence puppy, what do want of us?' buzzed the large wasp-like skellan sitting adjacent.

The figure hissed a smile as he stared through the cowl at each one of them.

'You will each be dispatched to a world, you will create havoc on certain beings, each will be given one of these' the figure said pulled free a sphere, the size of a cricket ball robe his robes.

'What is it?' the fat human snapped as the figure rolled it down to them along the table.

'A temporal transporter, you cretinous prey!' spat the agitated Werelox.

'Correct, you will assassinate people, as many as you like, the beings of Gallifrey will detect the energy signatures and keep them occupied' he hissed.

'When do we get paid?' asked another human, tall and broad and muscled.

'When you complete your work' he snapped but immediately the Werelox launched from his seat, the figure raised a rod-like gun and creature fell, convulsing in on itself.

'I am the Master, I will not be questioned!' the Master spat as his face emerged from the cowl staring them all down into their seats.

'What the?' gasped one of them humans through gritted teeth, his eyes still staring at that face.
'What the devil are you?' buzzed the Skellan as the Master started to stalk around the table glancing at all who sat there.

'You have heard of the Time Lords? The inhabitants of Gallifrey, they are enemies of mine. They have twelve bodies, I once held that number but they were cast off in a vast accident, I lost five lives and now I am this' the Master hissed.

The muscled human, although tough collapsed into a shell of fear as the Master stepped closer.

'You're a Time Lord?' buzzed the Skellan nervously and immediately the Master faces the wasp, examined its reactions to his face and then consciously pulled back the hood to reveal a balding skull, the colour of decay.

'I was a Time Lord, this is my punishment. I am death, living hell is me. Dare you stare death in the face? I could take over one of your forms but it would age and decay quickly.

The Time Lords, powerful and supreme had shunned his sort, like the Doctor, the Master rebelled against Time Lord Society and carried along his arrogance and superiority.

'What do you say to my proposal? I will give you every weapon in creation, located here in my lair' he hissed.

'What do we obtain from this arrangement?' asked a taller, slender man with grey hair and golden robes.

The Master turned on this man, there was something vaguely familiar about him?

'You will gain riches, they are located within the magma chamber but you cannot reach them. This world's energies released into the atmosphere are sustaining me, thus the heat is no concern to me but to you, it will be fatal to enter that room' he said.

The figures looked about themselves, at each other when at last the man in golden robes placed his hand on the table's surface.

'I, Azaaros will aid your work Master' he said and quickly the Skellan laid down a claw.

'Zarleesh pledges to serve you also'

The remaining Werelox, Martian and humans followed them and for a terrible moment the Master grinned.

'You will serve me, You will obey without question! I am your new Master, there is no other!' he hissed, his dead eyes burning into all those present.

'Really? Hypnosis does not affect my people Master' Azaaros replied and smiled to his grinning skull.

'Then if you refuse to co-operate then you will join that fool!' he said pointing to the tiny figure on the ground.

'You need not threaten me, my people know full well of the tissue compression eliminator and its ghastly effects, however I am still intrigued on your plan' Azaaros breathed.
The Master staggered closer to the table fixing each with his dead stare, those yellowing eyes burning into theirs.

'You will each assassinate dignitaries of worlds within the Voltek system, since the majority honour the Time Lords then they too will leap to halt your progress, thus granting me time to seize control!' the Master hissed, he then turned to the bemused man sitting adjacent.

'As for you, I require a diversion. The Valeshini are a masterful force in this universe, something to keep the Time Lord's chief agent of intervention busy. The Doctor. You will terminate the supreme war council and assume their place' the Master instructed.

'The Valeshini, tell me though. Why them, you could any species to acquire the Doctor's vision?' Azaaros purred.

'They hold the Dalek frontier back, with them out of the way, Daleks can conquer thus giving me a supreme action to strike!' the Master retorted angrily as he drew in the energy into his withered lungs.

'Very well Master, consider the Valeshini finished!' Azaaros replied as he pulled free the sphere from the table and tapped the co-ordinates across its surface.

Immediately both he and the sphere vanished in a plume of blue light.

'Well? Leave now!' the Master ordered towards the few figures remaining.

'Yes Master' they all slurred as their chairs scraped on the rough ground then one after the other they all vanished leaving him alone.

It was all a matter of time.

Casting his dead eyes towards the grand fireplace, a large vent of twisting flames he smiled.

'Gallifrey will fall, yes I shall enjoy full movement once more, no longer rotting in this useless carcass but standing tall and strong over my enemies dead forms... especially yours Doctor!' the Master snapped viciously.

The flame crackled and sparked in response as the Master breathed deep the energy.

It was all a matter of time.

HELLFIRE: Chasm

The dark cowled skeletal figure stood before the bone-like orb, his decaying fingers pressed the dark controls as he watched the TARDIS drift away.
'Doctor, you really let one slip through your fingers, should have watched that Purge leader?' the figure chuckled.

'But where you going now Doctor? Where shall you go?' he hissed.

Around him fire burned in the baking heat of the lava bank beneath the platform he stood on, the image was changing to a brightly lit garden. Sapphire fountains sparkled in the hot suns light, people walked this park together as the TARDIS materialised.

'Brilliant! He has arrived on Corastarr and now the mayhem begins. Doctor you will pay for this insult of my existence!' the figure gurgled as he suppressed a chuckle.

He watched as the Doctor emerged from his TARDIS and noticed the look of confusion apparent across his face as he looked up at the vast domed buildings, the hover trains.

'This isn't Woodton Walk in Bedley. I set the controls and everything' he said then he looked to the TARDIS.

'I hope you're not playing up again old girl?' he added before crossing over to a sophisticated holosphere and started to type in.

'No Doctor, your ship is working perfectly the Time Lords on the other hand are working irregularly. Not even they suspect that your place on this world is pivotal' the figure hissed.

His face, nothing more than a twisted skull, weak grey flesh supported the bulging eyes as they stared down at the Doctor.

Gallifrey will fall to me, a new regeneration Doctor but still none the wiser, he thought.

'That's it Doctor, inquire to the natives as to where you are, then you'll see that something is very wrong, now for TARDIS!' the figure hissed and pressed a control and on the screen it started to fade.

'Hey?' he called as the ship vanished.

'That settles it. Time Lords, you've done it again!' he cried towards the sky.

'No Doctor, I have. Enjoy the games Doctor, I'm sure you'll succeed!' the figure hissed as from across the street a building suddenly exploded, spilling concrete, glass and metal onto the streets below.

The Doctor stared, horrified at what had happened. Was this why he was here? Time Lords! Why didn't they ever tell him anything?

All ready there were screams, muffled from beneath the debris as others hurried to help them.

As the Doctor looked, he caught sight of someone running away from the scene, someone holding what looked like a rifle of some sort?
'Hey you!' the Doctor called and since no one noticed the Doctor hurried after him across the green grass towards the figure, dressed in black padded armour, a woman with short golden hair, a sliver streak through her hair.

On seeing him, he raised her rifle and fired a few laser bolts at him; bright glowing energy bolts missed his feet by inches charring the ground halting his advance.

She dived quickly into some bushes with him following soon after only to come across to others, one was lean and powerful with black hair and a grey streak while other was rounder with red hair and a grey streak.

'Who's this?' the lean one asked prodding a rifle at him.

'Followed me from the site. An agent' the woman said.

'I'm the Doctor and you had...' the Doctor said before he was knocked to the ground by the other man.

'Quiet!' he yelled viciously.

'Well done Mansk, now get him up!' the lean one ordered.

The Doctor was hauled to his feet by the collar, the beings were obviously very strong, they acted like soldiers, like some sort of combat unit?

'You're an agent then? What you want?' he snapped and the Doctor caught sight of fangs.

'Agent?' the Doctor repeated but got knocked savagely aside.

'You will tell me, now!' the lean one growled.

'Down boy! I'm the Doctor and you are responsible for those deaths back there?' he asked and the leader grinned.

'Spying were you, Corps agent?' he snapped.

'No, I saw your colleague run from the area, plus she was and is holding a sophisticated laser-rifle usually found on Trodes. You're Werelox aren't you?' the Doctor asked.

'Clever spy' Mansk replied.

'I'm not a spy just very perceptive. What are you doing here on this world?' the Doctor added but received another hefty punch.

'I'm asking the questions, now how much do the Agents know about us?' barked the leader but the Doctor remained silent.

'Absolutely nothing Mr?' the Doctor tried but the leader raised his hand again, this time claws sparkled in the sunlight!

In the cavern's baronial hall a golden box appeared silently and from it stepped a figure. Stopping, it listened to the crackling of fire, breathing in the strange smelling air before the figure crossed over past the table towards the steps.
'Again Doctor you fall into the trap, you are blind to the danger before you!' the figure cackled.

'As are you Master' came a reply from behind him, turning, the cowled figure spied a silhouette in the archway, a gun raised towards him.

'What? Who are you to be here?' the figure hissed and slowly Azaaros stepped into the light, a staser in his hand.

'Hello again, the High Council were very thankful for the incite of your plans' he said and smiled as the look of anger dawned across the grinning skull of a face.

'What? You are a Time Lord?' he snapped and Azaaros nodded.

'CIA and you are a wanted criminal and terrorist. A nice trick you played, swapping a genetic construct for your own form' Azaaros replied.

'The trial? Ha! A farce- those Daleks knew nothing about me as do you Azaaros!' the figure retorted.

'Careful now, we want any accidents to happen?' Azaaros added levelling the gun.

'What are you going to do? Trap me? How?' the figure hissed.

'Who said anything about trapping? The energy devices your contacts have used have been examined, the assassins involved have been collected and the Time Lords know of your presence once more!' Azaaros replied and aimed his gun.

'Any last words?' he asked and saw the figure turn away for a moment before baring his face again.

'Yes, I am the Master and you will Obey me!' he hissed but instead Azaaros smiled.

'No, have you forgotten that I am immune to your control?' he said and the Master flinched then suddenly he lunged at Azaaros, knocking the staser over the edge to vanish into the lava below.

'A young mind you have, so naive you are. You are young and a perfect template for use!' the Master hissed as he throttled Azaaros.

Steely, cold hand pressed tighter and tighter until Azaaros gave out he started to blur and as he did the Master pressed deeper into his body.

The Doctor coughed hard in the leader's grip, his face covered in scratches that bled greatly.
'Answer me!' he yelled but the Doctor simply eyed him.

'I cannot tell you what I don't know?' the Doctor replied and as the leader pulled back his fist the woman gripped it.

'Enough Grell, he's not going to talk' the woman said, Grell merely eyed him before looking to her.

'You're right Jarr; this Agent's tough and stupid. We have our orders; let's eat him now and then go for the target!' Grell instructed.

'Eat me? Without seasoning, raw? Are you willing to take the risk?' the Doctor asked.

'No Grell, let's have some fun, here take this!' Jarr replied throwing the Doctor a gun, catching it he looked up at them.

'Go on run!' snarled Mansk but the Doctor seemed to be looking over their shoulders?

'Look at that flying tree!' he said and the moment they turned he was off into the thicker undergrowth.

'I'll get him!' Jarr roared as she hurried after him, Grell following and Mansk was last as ever.

The Doctor hurried quickly through the vines, hoping to confuse them as he reached the end of the woodland and landed by the side of a fence.

'Hold it there!' called Jarr and turning around he saw her raise a rifle at him.

'Fun run but now you die!' she cried.

Azaaros lay there on the warm, tough ground. He was no longer himself, a new face with light brown hair and blue eyes came alive, around his chin there appeared a beard.

He sighed as he pulled himself up and looked around him.

'Perfect. Thank you very much Azaaros, you will do perfectly now, both in position and in body' he said in a rich voice as he climbed to his feet and walked to the orb glancing down at the image.

'Oh dear, the Doctor is in trouble, the great plan is threatened, not to worry from this place I will take over. After all, the Master is dead but the Doctor is still needed' he said and pressed the familiar controls on the orb's side.

'Much better. I am a new Master, Controller of CIA, perfect! And now to return triumphant of my mission and to recuperate' he said and chuckled before turning away from the orb.

'Oh Yes, I don't want to forget this?' he added and pressed another control.

The moment the Master pressed the control, the rifle in Jarr's hands started to spark and glow.
'What trickery is this?' she yelled as she felt the grips heat up but the Doctor was at a loss.

'Perhaps you should put it down?' he called but Jarr shot him a look.

'Yeah, you'd like that wouldn't you? Die!' she cried and pressed the trigger but then the barrel exploded knocking her back against the smooth grass, her body charred and smoking.

'They definitely don't make them like they used to?' the Doctor said just as Grell and Mansk arrived.

Grell looked from Jarr's body to the Doctor, still holding the gun. He levelled his rifle at him.

'I didn't do anything? A simple mistake?' he said but Mansk too was raising his rifle.

It was then that the orb on his belt started to glow.

'What? What's happening? Grell- it's activated!' he cried.

'Switch it off, our mission isn't complete yet!' Grell ordered as Mansk tried to turn it off.

'I can't, it won't respond?' Mansk cried and before the Doctor they both faded away.

'Curiouser and curiouser? How very odd?' he said just as the silence was broken by a familiar sound and turning, the TARDIS appeared.

'There you are old girl? I thought you'd abandoned me' he said patting her side.

Looking about him he entered the TARDIS and set the co-ordinates, it was then that a question popped into his mind.

'The Warleader! I wonder where he is?' he said looking around but could see no sign of him?

'Well now, at last I can get to Bedley? But first I think it's time we paid a visit to someone and perhaps I can them that as well?' he said as the time rotor started to rise.

The blue shape of the TARDIS faded away leaving the patch by the fence alone and quiet once again.

Corastarr would recover from the incident; it was such a peaceful place to live.

HELLFIRE: Revelations

The activity within the monitoring section of the Celestial Intervention Agency was very busy. Many technical operators sat at vast holo-sphere tracking several hundred individuals.

All of them acting within their caste, dressed in the dark blue robes, these men and women wore headsets linked directly to the Eye of Harmony. An invention to ensure that all details were correct.

Between the aisles walked another caste of the CIA- the Invigilator, feeding reports from operatives on the front to the technical operators.

Above them in a grander palace-like section full of ornate statues dressed in gold leaf and assorted jewels stood central reception.

Across the marble floor was a vast seal of Rassilon while above stood an ancient statue of Omega, his hand supporting the vast domed roof of windows above.

A golden curved desk stood to one side while an operator sat behind it, taking various information from a series of monitors behind it.

'Excuse me?' called a tall, grey haired woman dressed in dark red robes and wearing the ceremonial head-dress crossed the vast threshold of the room.

'Yes Madame, can I help you?' asked the figure behind the desk.

'Since everyone has gone to flock at the TARDIS bays, I would like to know when Romana's travel capsule is due to arrive?' the woman asked.

'Romana? Oh, you mean the Presidential candidate? I believe that she will be arriving within three minutes' he said and half-expected for her to turn away but she remained.

'Is there something further that I can do for you Madame?' he asked politely.

'Yes. You can tell me where her craft is scheduled to arrive? I have authorisation from President Juvil to know' the woman said.

'President Juvil has retired though. I'm not sure whether that would still work?' he said but she seemed to become agitated, it was then that he noted the markings on her collar.

'Forgive me Councillor, I did not see your rank?' he added quickly and typed in to his monitors and a second later he looked up.

'The Presidential candidate will be arriving in the High Council chamber, Councillor' the man said and with an arrogant stare she was off, no longer caring about her place he muttered after her.

Typical High Council, so much better in the CIA he thought.

As the Councillor left the quiet area of the reception, she collided with a man walking the other way.
In her usual arrogant what she eyed the man insisting that she was right and a gaze from her cold eyes onto his dark, smart uniform displayed him being of a strong place Time Lord hierarchy.

'How dare you get in my way! Don't you know your place in this world?' she snapped and the man looked as apologetic as he could but deep in those dark eyes there burned hidden flames.

'Forgive me Councillor but I did not expect you to come rushing into me like that, I was trying hard not to step in your way but you were not looking. We see all things' the man said.

'How dare you suggest that I Councillor Hyta was not looking? Who are you anyway? Why are you not with the others?' she demanded.

'Forgive me Councillor but I do not you acquainted with my profession, the dark clothes I wear denote that I am very high up. As to whom I am. I am Director Azaaros of Celestial Intervention Agency' he said but Hyta was not so easily impressed.

'Of course I should have seen it? You CIA cretins are everywhere? No doubt you have prepared for President Romana's return?' she asked.

'Of course I have Councillor, three years it took me to restore the CIA back to better reputation and now that Romana will return to us from her travels, I feel sure things will vastly improve' Azaaros replied smoothly.

'We shall see, I was going that way now. Where were you going?' Hyta asked not bothering to conceal her snotty curiosity.

'To oversee such matters pertaining to the welfare of Gallifrey, let us forget such incidents as Dalek invasions? Rasputaltron and other such occurrences?' Azaaros replied politely.

'I see? Then go about your business then!' Hyta ordered and strode off quickly.

'Foolish old trout' Azaaros muttered beneath his breath as he walked across the threshold he stared at the receptionist.

'I am not to be disturbed, do you understand?' he said in a commanding voice and slowly the man nodded before the Director walked forwards towards the golden doors of his office, closing them firmly behind him.

The moment the doors slid closed Azaaros approached a vast golden desk and beyond this was a glass wall.
Pressing down on the surface of the desk, a long flap appeared revealing a series of controls. Stabbing with one dark, leather gloved finger, the wall flashing into snow-static before eventually it flickered into a vast image of the Panoptican.

'What useless fools they are, crawling and bumping into each other just to put a falsehood mask over every one of their corrupt spoilt reputations!' Azaaros muttered in a cold voice as his burning eyes surveyed the screen.

His hands working across the controls like he was a concert pianist, his eyes never wondering from the screen.

The image changed many times until finally it settled on the High Council chamber, strangely enough, the foolish Councillor Hyta was there and no one else?

'So what are you hiding from me Councillor? Why should you alone be privileged to see Romana returning to Gallifrey? Do you think by doing this that you'll get into her good books or she might consider you a pathetic little toad like the co-ordinator?' Azaaros replied darkly.

Suddenly on the screen there came a rush of wind as an elegant gleaming white box appeared and seconds later the doors opened to allow many Chancellery Guards to vacate and set up their positions.

Then she came. Dressed in a silver robe with an adorned head-dress came Romana. Azaaros smiled as he looked down at her image.

'Enjoy your time Presidential candidate because soon you will slip up and it will fall to me Director Azaaros to assume control. They might call it a faction revolt? Either way I will assume control' Azaaros replied and grinned heartily.

Just then there came a slight blip from his wrist communicator.

'I told you that I was not to be disturbed' he snapped but the weak voice on the end seemed genuinely sorry.

'I'm sorry Director but the monitoring section are detecting an unknown temporal surge through space time heading this way and a TT capsule appears to be at the centre of it?' came the reply.

'I see. Thank you. Looks like I'll have to deal with you later?' he said as he pressed down the desk, the wall went blank and he crossed out of the room.


Walking towards the desk, he looked down at the receptionist, who looking quite weak dressed in the low blue robes of technical operator gazed back.
'Where is this TT capsule now?' Azaaros asked and immediately the operator checked his screens.

'Estimated just beyond Gallifreyan space, long range scans have identified it as a type forty but all type forties were recalled?' the Operator replied.

'Not all of them. Open the transduction barriers, I want this TARDIS brought here' he commanded and immediately the Operator started to type in and while he was waiting for confirmation Azaaros tapped his fingers on the desk in agitation.

'It will arrive shortly Sir, do you require Chancellery support?' the operator asked.

'No, it will not be necessary. He's a renegade but he's not dangerous' Azaaros retorted as the deep grating reverberated throughout the room to fall into a solidified shape.

'How odd? Is this it? Police box?' the Operator replied.

'The craft is partially damaged, the Chameleon circuit, ironically enough it symbolises Law yet the inhabitant is very rogue in his ways' Azaaros replied as he waited patiently.

Slowly the door open and out emerged the Doctor.

'Ah, come to me have you? Good now I want to speak someone in charge?' the Doctor said aloud.

'I am. Director Azaaros of the Celestial Intervention Agency. Can I help you Doctor?' he said coldly.

'Do I know you?' the Doctor asked at the sound of his own name.

'Probably not but you are well known in Time Lord circles, the only one to own a type forty. What is your problem?' he asked.

'My problem? My problem Director of CIA is that I have been used as a puppet for someone in your organisation!' the Doctor suddenly snapped.

'These are serious organisations Doctor. I assume you proof of this?' Azaaros asked.

'Plenty of it, Tardis would you come here a moment?' the Doctor replied and for a moment Azaaros believed that the Doctor was quite insane that was until a gleaming, blue figure emerged from the threshold to stand there by the side of him.

Energy crackled from its body as it bowed respectfully.

'Interesting. Forgive me but I don't believe I've had the pleasure of your species before?' Azaaros replied and went to kiss her hand.
'No thank you Azaaros, I believe it would be a shocking experience to touch me like that' Tardis retorted.

'She is a purely energy based being, temporal energy and is the core of the evidence. Is there somewhere close by to discuss matters further?' the Doctor asked.

'My office awaits yonder. Will you please follow me?' he said and the led the way back towards his office pulling open the doors and watched as 'Tardis' walked through, her aura seemed to light the room and as the Doctor followed he closed the door sharply.

'Now then Doctor,....Um.... Miss? Would you both take a seat so we can get this sorted out quickly and on your way?' he said quickly as he walked to the side of the desk and sat down.

'No I won't take a seat. Got a flap on have you?' the Doctor retorted, Azaaros did his best to feign ignorance.

'Flap?' he asked and the Doctor sighed before answering him.

'Yes, usually the passages are chockoblock full of people of all creeds but today there's nothing, no Chancellery Guards, Castellan or High Council member just you' the Doctor explained.

'The return of Presidential candidate Lady Romana from Earth, diplomatic reasons I know of but you are not entitled to know. Pray get this over with before you disturb the proceedings' he said quickly, desperately.

'Calm down Director of CIA or you'll burst a few blood vessels and then you'd have to go in for a recovery regeneration. Speaking of which I would like to know everything about a Technical Facilitator Sintan, possibly even see him?' the Doctor replied in a calm but authoritative way.

'I beg your pardon Doctor?' Azaaros replied staring over the desk at him.

'Allow me Doctor?' Tardis replied extending her hand and before their eyes it swelled up to form an impressive screen. Upon it was Sintan's form talking.

'This man is a mystery to me Doctor I have many facilitators and he is not one of them?' Azaaros retorted.

'Yet he mentions your name?' the Doctor countered.

Azaaros sighed before tapping a control on his desk and behind him the wall-screen came alive with a blue light of a database screen.
Five faces appeared in a large enough format for each of them to see.

'These are my technical facilitators Doctor. Now before you start accusing them of anything could you tell me what your problem is?' Azaaros replied as he turned away from the screen.

'On the outer rims I was informed by said CIA representative to investigate a time anomaly occurring. I found a breach in time caused by creatures very similar to Tardis here; they were being opposed by a creature known as the Vvorsk. Someone acting under CIA instructions, later I discover that these other creatures- Tredisites are in fact TARDISes. The being you see here with me is the physical representation of the life force from my ship' the Doctor explained.

Azaaros looked bewildered and leant across the desk examining 'Tardis' carefully.

'Fascinating. However Doctor I can assure you that this man- Sintan is not on my staff' Azaaros retorted but the Doctor climbed to his feet, the chair scraping the floor hard.

'Isn't he? I have wondered how far corruption might spread in CIA? People I've met in your circles Azaaros tend to end up dead or else twisted, not unlike Commander Omlyr?' the Doctor snapped.

'That was years ago Doctor, everything has been taken care of since then. I have run everything well to ensure that CIA remain where they exist' Azaaros cried.

'Then what is this? A cover up for one of your agents? I do not like being played a puppet to your tawdry affairs especially when I learn that ancient Tredisites were captured by Time Lords, particularly CIA just to create a conflict to keep me busy? Now are you sure Director Azaaros that you know nothing of this incident?' the Doctor replied once more.

'I knew nothing until you arrived but there will be a full hearing in CIA after you leave' Azaaros said reassuringly.

'Well it better do? The last thing I want is to return here only to pull your socks up with further complaints wasting both our times in the process' the Doctor snapped.

'Doctor, I can assure you that this event will be staunched. The person in question will be located and placed on trial for treason. To suffer the harshest sentence available' Azaaros sighed.

'Good. Come along Tardis I believe we should go now?' the Doctor replied all ready walking to the door.

Tardis behind him glanced to spy Azaaros, head in hands sighing before following her friend out and away.

The moment the door closed the Doctor sighed deeply.
'Are you feeling all right Doctor?' Tardis asked sounding concerned for his welfare.

'No Tardis I am not. That bureaucrat will just remain quiet. He won't act, CIA never do so I should have gone straight to the top, now there's an idea?' the Doctor replied.

Leaving Tardis by the doors he crossed over towards the desk and rapped gently on its surface.

'Yes Sir? What can I do for you?' asked the operator now looking up at him.

'I would like to book an urgent appointment to see the High Council of the Time Lords. Could you arrange that for me?' the Doctor asked pleasantly.

'I'm very much afraid that I cannot Sir. You have chosen a particularly busy time to pay a visit, security is very high currently. Perhaps I can arrange another time for you when we are less busy?' the Operator replied.

'Excuse me but you do know who I am?' the Doctor asked in an authoritative voice.

'I believe Director Azaaros mention your name as Doctor?' the Operator replied.

'Activate your search system in the Panoptican security network, look up name- Doctor, I think you will be pleasantly surprised?' the Doctor said aloud and the man slowly nodded, typing in the name.

He waited a while as the name was cross-checked and before his eyes the screen came alive with many files, well over a thousand as the readings continued.

'I believe that speaks miles in my case? Do you want me to comeback or can you squeeze me in?' the Doctor asked and immediately the Operator looked a little nervous.

'No, no Doctor. Honoured guest turned up for the celebration, I shall send coms immediately that you are here and are allowed through' the man said but the Doctor just shook his head.

'No that won't do at all, just need a badge allowing for all access. Fans you see. Don't want a huge crowd around me the whole time?' the Doctor retorted.

'Oh yes, quite understand Doctor. Here you go' he replied pulling open a drawer to reveal many gleaming golden badges. He handed to the Doctor who took it and pinned it to his breast pocket.

'Thank you very much. I believe that things are looking up for you.... Vans.... never mind' the Doctor said quickly and walked away to Tardis.

The Director of the CIA was still for a moment before reaching to the side to press another switch.
Immediately the light dimmed to darkness while the screen behind him glowed into life.

'They suspect something is wrong, yet the Doctor does not yet know me? His new regard for discovering the truth shocked me just as much as his reluctance to continue his interrogations over me. Can it be that I have finally an edge over you Doctor?' he said aloud.

Turning in his chair, he squinted as the bright light dimmed too to appear on not the appropriate screen.

Instead a dark red aura met his eyes and in the midst there stood a blurring figure, slowly his image became solid.

'Who are you? How dare you cross into my security network!' Azaaros snapped but the man facing him merely smirked.

'Who am I? Well that really says a lot for your sort doesn't it Director Azaaros? Purely locked into your own perfect world. Your assassination of the President will never occur, I have taken care of that' the man said in a fluted voice.

'Assassination? I have no idea what you are insinuating but if you are involved in any such action...?' Azaaros started to say but suddenly the man's eyes seemed to glow and the Director fell back into his chair.

'Why do you resist my mind? Are you trying to conceal yourself from discovery? The others don't see it yet but I do Mr Stream' the man retorted.

'Stream? I am Director Azaaros of the CIA and you are a vicious agitator to the nation!' Azaaros countered but the man merely smirked.

'You may tell yourself that and others but deep down we both know that you're playing a Masterful joke on them?' the man said.

Azaaros felt scared, for the first time he was scared and he had a feeling that this man before him knew that as well?

'Oh yes, forgive me. I am....Sainnt, you may remember the Doctor informing you of my predecessor Sintan, he was an unfortunate mistake and was dealt with immediately upon you conversing with the Doctor' Saiint replied.

'Sainnt? Oh yes I see now. What do you want here? To expose me no doubt? Were you behind my discovery to the High Council?' the Master asked.

'Sintan was my confidant; he informed me of everything and a few careful words to the correct people and there were snipped in the bud. No. Your place on Gallifrey will aid me well, if you are wondering why I require your help, we both share an enemy- the Doctor!' Saiint purred.

'What do you want me to do? You see I am no lackey and if you really knew me, you would know that I will succeed in my plan!' the Master retorted.

'A shame, really. Looks like I'll have to inform security about the motion sensor within the High Council Chamber then?' Sainnt muttered.

The Master stared down at the man, Sainnt noting the faded uniform he was trying to conceal beneath his dark green robes, the ornate headdress sitting snugly around his neck.
'Do you want me to tell them or will you play ball Master?' Sainnt taunted and slowly the Master nodded.

'You seem to hold all the cards? Might I inquire then as to what you have in mind for me?' he asked and noted that Sainnt was smiling.

'Excellent Master, you are a clever little puppet. You will remain in office however you are going to disable the weapon intended for the president' Sainnt ordered.

'What? Why do you want me to remain here? You wear a uniform beneath those robes yet you skulk in the grab of a librarian?' The Master muttered.

'It suits my purposes as for your question, who would accuse an academic of blackmailing a renegade masquerading as the leader of the CIA? You are doing some good work Magister; however you will remain here on Gallifrey. Attempt anything at all- to abandon your post or to attack directly and you will once more become a wanted man! Do I make myself clear?' Sainnt ordered.

'Perfectly so but is to stop me from exploding the bomb and having all academics detained for questioning?' the Master retorted fiercely.

'You are an interesting adversary are you not? No wonder you seem to become the fire to the Doctor's sugary crusade- explosive! Simply because I will label you for what you are- an impostor! Wearing Azaaros' frame, hi-jacking his cycle to make your way through the universe!' Sainnt countered viciously.

'The Doctor will eventually see my return and when he does, he will suffer eternally for his crimes!' the Master hissed.

'He will indeed but not by your hand! You fools are all amateurs about wielding power- Yourself, Rasputaltron, Daleks, Phillips, Sontarans, Valeshini, Omega yet you are nothing compared to me! You will obey me Master or I will have you stripped of your bodies and annihilated, you have no choice but to Obey me!' Sainnt yelled before the image clouded and fizzled away into snow.

The Master was still for a moment before he rose from his chair, considering what had been said to him.

'Amateur? You are a fool to underestimate me Academic Sainnt. You like them are mere obstacles in my path. You will realise all too late that I am the puppet who pulls on his strings!' the Master snapped before pressing the various controls and the screen glowed into existence, he turned examining them.

'What are you up to Doctor? Where are you go at this era?' the Master muttered as looked to see the Doctor and his sparkling friend.

He smiled at a thought that he could kill two birds with just the one stone!


'What is this place Doctor?' Tardis asked as he led the way through gilded passageways.
'You don't know? Of course you don't? Well this Tardis is the centre of the Panoptican; this level in particular is reserved for academics, gold ushers and cardinals. We should feel very privileged' the Doctor replied.

'However I sense that you seem uncertain of what you are doing?' Tardis retorted and immediately the Doctor paused.

'I am, nice of you to notice or else I would have gone storming in there like a bolt out of a staser right into the centre of established history. Although Time can be flexible, my presence alone could damage things more so... more than the Tredisites' the Doctor replied.

'You want to return to travelling do you not?' Tardis asked.

'More than that Tardis, I don't want anymore interruptions in my lives. I cannot go by once without them blowing a whistle calling me to their heel like a well trained sheepdog' he muttered wearily.

As he looked around him, the corridor looking empty and bare.

'Oh... never mind. The sooner I nip this in the bud, the sooner I can get back to doing what I do best' he replied and carried on past three chancellery guards.

'Excuse me Sir but this area is restricted to all personnel' warned the nearest guard.

'What, even the President herself? Ah, well look at my lapel and see for yourself how important I am' the Doctor quickly said and pointed to the badge.

'Oh, sorry Sir. I did not know. Please, please go on' he said and with a nod from the Doctor he carried while from the shadows there stood a familiar figure in green.

'What are you up to Doctor? Why are you here and not back inside your TARDIS?' Sainnt muttered and slipped back into the shadows.

As the Doctor approached the vast golden doors, he noted that the guard outside were armed with some vicious looking weaponry.

'Ah, I see that Romana has really made her presence felt? A new regime, a new order' the Doctor noted and walked smartly up to the doors and cleared his throat.

'I am the Doctor and I have come to see and talk with the President, if that is all right with you?' he said.

'You will wait here; I will inform the Presidential candidate. Keep them well covered' replied the first guard and he knocked once before entering. Immediately his friend raised his rifle at them.

'You know, there's no real need for you to be acting so trigger happy?' the Doctor said and made a move to re-direct the aim of the gun from his form but the guard was determined.
'Well, if that's how you want to play it? Tardis they do train these guards well, don't they?' the Doctor added looking to his sparkling friend.

'If they are to guard the President then I imagine that they should be prepared for anything?' Tardis replied.

'Yes you're right. Well not too long now' he said and rubbed his hands awkwardly, the silence that followed was long and hard.

'Nice weather recently?' the Doctor tried but the guard remained silent.

'I see?' the Doctor added when the doors slid open and the first guard appeared.

'The Presidential candidate will now see you' he said.

'Ah, excellent. I have a few things to say, come along Tardis' the Doctor replied but instead the guards barred her way.

'Hey? What are you doing?' he asked noting the absence of his friend.

'She will see you Doctor and not this thing' retorted the guard.

'This 'thing' is my friend and it is because of her that I have to see Romana, come along Tardis' he said and as the guards parted, the leading guard frowned as they both entered the room.

Sainnt watched their advance, his eyes never leaving the area until they vanished from his sight.

'No Doctor, you are not going to get away that easily? With the Master under my thumb perhaps another demonstration is in order?' he pondered pulling free a staser from his green robes.

Inside the High Council Chamber it was warm and bright and slightly more decorated than the last time he had been there.

To the Doctor's side stood an oldish woman in grey robes, he bowed respectfully before stopping before the woman sitting on the gilded throne.

'Madame President, I wonder if I could borrow some of your time?' he asked and saw a familiar glint of recognition in her eyes.

'Doctor? Is that you? You have changed a lot' Romana replied gracefully rising from her chair.

'Not as much as you, Romana. Though I come to speak to you know about a grave emergency. Something is very wrong here on Gallifrey and particularly with the Time Lords' he began.

'How dare you, young Sir? Something wrong with the state of Gallifrey?' spat the grey-robed Councillor.
'I can assure you Councillor that the Doctor would only come to see me if it really was that important? It is, isn't it Doctor?' Romana asked.

'Yes Romana, it is. I have been recently manipulated into a situation by the CIA, now I spoke to that Director and he knew nothing of the representative I spoke to. This same man does not exist yet he managed to create a nice little distraction for me' the Doctor replied.

'Have you taken up this matter with Azaaros? You see Doctor I am only a candidate, I have no real power until my induction ceremony' Romana replied.

'Have you any such proof to attack an accusation on the Time Lords?' Hyta, the Councillor snapped.

'Yes, yes Councillor I do. This is my friend, my companion. Tardis' the Doctor replied parting way and allowing Tardis to step forward.

'An interesting name for someone as equally interesting?' Romana replied.

'Thank you Madame President, it is good to see you again' Tardis answered and performed a bow.

'Again? Forgive me but have we met before?' Romana asked.

'You have Romana; this is or was the sentient life force at the heart of my TARDIS. The traitor created a paradoxical loop in the past by enslaving these forms- Tredisites into the first TARDISes. The remainder trapped in a side dimension attempted to return to here and free all other TARDISes' the Doctor explained.

Hyta stepped forward, examining the sparkling blue figure with her careful grey eyes.

'This being is a TARDIS?' Romana asked.

'Was the TARDIS, she is as you can see- mobile but the greater threat is that the CIA goaded me to intervening and then hired another alien to stir up trouble and even then claimed that the CIA stirred up the Tredisites in the first place- now the question is- why?' the Doctor asked.

'Something I would like to know Doctor, we've had many disturbances of late. The Master attempting to launch a coup on Gallifrey, Rasputaltron and Worlak's invasion, perhaps this might be adding to it?' Romana replied.

'Indeed but the point is open, you can launch a full enquiry? Declare the CIA redundant until you flush out the traitor?' the Doctor said.

'I shall do what I can Doctor, while I stand for Gallifrey I will do what I can to stop this stain of corruption!' she declared in a loud voice.

'Huh!' Hyta muttered quietly.

'What was that Councillor Hyta?' Romana asked in a loud clear tone silencing all as she turned to eye the old woman.
'Nothing my President' Hyta reluctantly muttered as she drew back.

'How dangerous are these Tredisites?' Romana asked and the Doctor gestured to Tardis.

'They can invade people's minds, keep them there forever if need be and they despise all Time Lords and if they get here then all hell will break loose!' the Doctor retorted.

'Then we must go the CIA now, alert the Castellan' Romana replied as she motioned to the door, two guards pulled open the massive doors.

From hiding, Sainnt pulled free the staser aiming it at the now open doors.

'I think it would be best to raise the Transduction barriers? Keep unwanted pests out?' the Doctor added.

'Of course Doctor, anything you can help us with?' Romana replied.

'Ah, well Tardis has the image of the traitor, she showed it to Azaaros, perhaps you might know him? Tardis, could you...?' the Doctor asked.

As Tardis stepped free of the doors, Sainnt smiled the staser levelled at its target.

'Good bye Doctor, you have served your purpose!' Sainnt muttered and he pulled the trigger but Tardis sensing danger quickly pushed him aside as the staser bolt cut through her glowing form.

Silence cut through the air, the Doctor turned to see Tardis collapse to the floor; energy seemed to be leaking from a wound in her chest.

'Tardis!' he cried and immediately the Chancellery guard pulled free their stasers.

'Get inside Madame President!' cried the guard but Romana remained by the Doctor's side, kneeling beside her form.

'No... no Tardis you can't die. You're temporal energy. That cannot dissipate?' he cried hoarsely.

'Her containment vessel has fractured Doctor, she's bleeding to death, that shot was meant for you!' she said.

'Now will you believe me Romana? Come on Tardis, don't die on me?' he cried and cupped hard across Tardis' tingling form, he felt great surges of energy writhe through him but still he held on, tightening the pressure.

'No Doctor... do not do... this, I will tell you his face... Doctor I have... Doctor?' Tardis rasped weakly, her voice become less loud with every passing second.

'Don't talk Tardis. Please concentrate on not dying?' the Doctor managed through gritted teeth, the sound of his hearts beating ever faster and faster.
Within the fool of his mind, an image formed. A man's face, so clear and perfect yet very familiar to him. Not Sintan the CIA traitor but else where in the pocket of his memories.

'Doctor... I have... to go... Doctor... I...' Tardis uttered before the spark started to fade as was her colour.

Quickly the Doctor pulled free his coat and wrapped it around her form, tightly.

Just then a guard ran forward holding a bundle in his hands.

'Apologies Madame President but we found these things not far from here by the pillars but there was no sign of the assassin?' the guard said.

'Alert the Castellan, I want Gallifrey under maximum security now! Raise all defences, I want to know whose bio-signature these garments belong to' Romana snapped.

'Excuse me Romana but I must return to the TARDIS' the Doctor said as he carried Tardis' lightening form.

'I'm coming with you Doctor' Romana replied but one look from the Doctor and she knew what he was going to say.

'No, Romana, your place is here on Gallifrey. My place is with Tardis. Find him, I'm begging you know to find this traitor before he disturbs everything we've strived for!' the Doctor said quickly before walking quickly away.

Romana watched him go and then turned to a guard, who stood close by his rifle still aimed.

'Don't play the fool! This is a general alarm, raise it! The Doctor is not to be barred from his TARDIS. Well carry out your orders!' she snapped and immediately the young guard nodded.

'Stay with me Tardis, not long now and I'll get you back to the shell and into the vortex. You'll be fine there' the Doctor was saying as he hurried along the corridors of the Panoptican.

'Doctor... Doctor... he knows you. You know him. I know him... his name. Doctor his name....' Tardis cried weakly before she slumped in his arms.

With one quick look down at her he quickened his pace, now running desperately to reach the safety of his TARDIS.

While from the shadows, the sinister form of Sainnt watched with satisfaction.

'You may discover Doctor but you can do nothing!' he purred quietly.

The Doctor hurried quickly across the CIA reception hall, he was determined to get Tardis' weakening form to safety.
'Excuse me Sir but you can't leave this vehicle parked here?' called the receptionist from his desk.

'Don't worry Vansell, you'll have nothing to worry about in a moment's time' the Doctor hissed agitatedly as he tried the door but it was locked.

'Great!' he muttered and crossed over to the desk, placing Tardis across the desk he hurried back to the TARDIS door fumbling in his pockets for the key.

'Hey? This isn't a bed Sir?' The operator called but the Doctor instead parted the doors before returning to the desk. Without saying a word he plucked free Tardis' weakened form and crossed inside.

'Sir? Doctor?' the Operator called but the doors simply shut and a second later the ship was dematerialising.

From his vantage point in his office the Master smiled pleased with Sainnt's work yet he felt uncomfortable with being trapped, what could he do but comply with Sainnt that was until some other occasion might prove helpful?

The Doctor crossed over the threshold of the cloister room, he had hoped that Tardis might recover but he knew that she was failing now.

'Come on Tardis? A blast from the Eye drive might just work if you can hold on?' the Doctor cried as he hurried up the ramp towards the vast Eye.

'No Doctor... it is too late for me, I have enjoyed our time together but now I must go...' she said slowly but the Doctor had placed her before the eye.

He was keying in the activation code and slowly the great eyelids parted and immediately the swirling blue light of temporal energy flooded out.

Picking Tardis up he positioned her over the eye and he watched, stepping back as the time winds carried her weakening form over the eye.

'I thank you Doctor for helping me, I can no longer help you as before, I am hurt but I will recover. There are so many things I have to say and so little time. You know who the traitor is' Tardis replied, her voice filling the room.

'I know too. I cannot affect my own past. I should have known it would be his work?' the Doctor replied.

'I will take you from Gallifrey, free you from his time line signature. I thank you Doctor for your help' Tardis replied then before the Doctor's eyes Tardis' form started to fade back into the drive.

Before the Doctor's eyes the eye slowly ground to a halt, the steady winding of gears ending, its echo carrying into the corners of the vast room.
He sighed deeply, trying not to look so sad as he turned away from the Eye and began his way down the ramp.

'Farewell old friend. We've had some good times together' the Doctor replied wearily and looked around at the dark, quiet brooding corridors around him.

The TARDIS was infinite as should have been his heart but he was depressed. Why wasn't he taking someone round the universe, a tour like he used to?

'So many planets, so many galaxies out there and I have yet to reach out and touch them? Perhaps it's time I had a change? I've been alone too long. I've been dwelling on the past so long that I've forgotten what the future was like?' the Doctor replied, his voice carrying far along the corridors.

'To be able to travel time, I've been far too cautious on my own. I need a change, yes I definitely require a change!' the Doctor said breathing aloud.

Around him suddenly the ship shook violently, knocking the Doctor back against the support strut then suddenly the corridors lit up brightly.

The lamps glowing excessively brighter and almost in a semaphore. A sequence guiding the Doctor towards the console room.

'Well now old girl, where are you taking me? No, don't tell me I want it to be a complete surprise. Yes TARDIS that's what I'm going to do!' the Doctor replied rubbing his hands carefully.

Walking to a hat stand the Doctor pulled free another coat, navy blue. Slipping it on, he returned to the console and rested on it briefly noting the warm feel running through his hands.

'Good to have you back old girl?' the Doctor said and patted the panelling affectionately.

He then crossed over towards a comfortable looking chair picking up an abandoned book from the table and started to read.

'Hmm? Ah yes, Exklomm, a veritable charlatan indeed, perhaps at sometime I should pop in and inform him of the facts? Yes, I wonder what he'd say or do for that matter? Turn the whole of electro-physics around with a sentence. Not a pleasant force but necessary' he muttered as he carried on.

The TARDIS carried on slowly throughout the vortex, at the centre of the Time rotor there was a very brief bubble, it might have sounded like 'Thank you' but to the Doctor it was lost in the grating of the drive.

The TARDIS was free once again and this time it was going to honour the Doctor's request.