As the World Shatters

Chapter 5: a chance for hope

Peri and the Doctor never made it to the Empress' Royal ball, the Doctor having to go and make their excuses as Peri was just to upset. She did not blame the Doctor of course, and he did his best to make her feel better but, not knowing what to do, he mostly kept out of her way. By the next day the young American had pulled herself together enough to properly attend the palace, outwardly at least, and they took afternoon tea with the empress, or at least what passed for afternoon tea on the planet of Ardentia. Her and the Doctor spent quite some time discussing the past and what had happened to Tegan and Nyssa, while Peri listened politely, mostly ignored and feeling rather out of place. Now they were headed back to the TARDIS, ready to leave Ardentia for pastures new. 

''So, what did you think of the Empress?'' the Doctor asked as they strolled leisurely back to the TARDIS. ''Quite a charming woman don't you think?'' 

Peri trailed behind him, trying to show some kind of enthusiasm she did not feel. ''Year, I... I guess.'' she replied after a moment. ''She was certainly happy to see you at any rate.'' 

The Doctor failed to notice the sarcasm in his companion's voice, her uncontent sailing right over him. Instead, he stopped and stared at the TARDIS door suspiciously. 

''Funny, I'm sure I locked that'' he said to himself, puzzled as the door swung open from his touch. 

''A.... are you sure you didn't forget?'' Peri checked, just in case he had simply been careless and forgotten, but he shook his head.

''No, I know I locked it after we left'' he assured her, somewhat baffled and slightly concerned. ''Come on, let's see what's going on'' he added, carefully pushing the TARDIS door open and stepping warily inside.

When they entered the control room there seemed to be nothing amiss, everything exactly as they had left it. After a cursory look round the Doctor seemed satisfied there was nothing untoward going on and began to dematerialise the TARDIS. It was not until they had entered the time vortex and left Ardentia all together that everything became clear. 

Much to their surprise, after they had left the planet, the door to the wardrobe room swung open, apparently of its own accord and the two companions shared a startled glance. Peri was not sure who, or what, she expected to be behind the door but whoever it was, the man who strolled casually out, TCE in hand, was not who she had expected. 

''Master'' the Doctor breathed, somewhat surprised but not seeming unduly worried by the other Time Lord's presence. 

The Master addressed them both in turn, his silky, urbane voice momentarily taking Peri back to the last time she had heard it and for a moment she just stared at him in horror. ''My deer Doctor, and Miss Brown. So, you are here at last, I have been waiting.''

''I.... it's you'' she stammered, the shock turning to anger as she faced the man who had taken her old life forever, causing both timelords to turn to her in surprise. Seeing what she was about to do the Doctor grabbed her arm firmly, restraining her before she could do anything they all might regret. ''You murderer! You killed him, Y... you killed the Doctor!'' she shouted, fury and grief vying for place in her voice. 

''That won't help Peri,'' the Doctor told her quietly, hoping she would listen. ''Be quiet and let me do the talking.'' 

The Master looked at her rather sceptically then turned to the Doctor, puzzled by the girl's unfathomable outburst. ''Is your companion quite all right, Doctor?'' he asked silkily, glancing at Peri with curiosity. ''She seems, somewhat confused.'' 

''Well...'' the Doctor trailed off, seemingly unsure how to answer. ''Yes, I suppose so...... It's complicated.'' 

''Undoubtedly'' The master replied, smiling at the Doctors disarming uncertainty.