Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓

Chapter 45: The Sontaran Strategem

[Alpha Base - TARDIS blockade]

Thrashing and shouting, she pulls against the bindings. Two councilary guards wrestle to keep her pinned to the ground.

"I am the First Elite!" she shouts, her throat raw, "Take me to see the High Council!"

One of the guards whispers consolingly, "They're not in control of this, Lady Alchemist."

"Pterios, don't," another guard hisses.

"Tell me," she growls, "By order of the First Unplaced Elite, I demand you explain yourselves."

The guards look at each other in concern, one of the Time Lords shaking her head rapidly.

The Alchemist scoffs as she twists again, "I already know it's Rassilon. We all do. He showed that damnable Gauntlet in the recording he sent The Ten. Now, talk."

"He's doing something without their knowing, and we don't know what. Sulak was on his protection team. Tell her what you saw," Pterios whispers.

The Alchemist is silent for a moment, waiting.

She implores him when he doesn't say anything, "Sulak, he forced my children to Regenerate. He's murdered the Achiever... Please, what did you see?"

Sulak sighs, "He's converted this building in the Citadel. It's been written off as a residential building, but everyone assigned here knows better. There are..." she swallows, "There're surgical suites and barracks... rooms that are triple deadlocked. I haven't seen much, just a few things while I've been on his protection detail. In the High Council chambers, he's speaking of war with the Daleks."

The Alchemist growls, "The Ten have been preparing to stop the Daleks for centuries. We're so close to ending all of them. I need to speak with him; take me to him."

"We can't do that," Pterios denies, "He'll execute us."

"Then let him take me first. As First Elite, I can speak with the High Council and the Lord President whenever I deem fit. If I cannot see the High Council, I'll go straight to the perpetrator, then."

Sulak nods, "We'll take you, First Elite. Be wary, he's..."

"Insane?" she scoffs.

"Yes," Sulak breathes, "...He is."

The guards help her to her feet, hands bound behind her back still.

Pterios goes to take her arm when Sulak stops him, uncuffing her, "Allow Lady Alchemist to walk on her own. She deserves our respect."

The Time Lady nods thankfully to the woman as they flank her out of the room, guiding her to their new Lord President.

[Corridor]

Sulak and Pterios freeze when they reach the door, uncertain how to proceed.

The Alchemist glances their way and nods them off, calling, "Lord President Rassilon, as unplaced First Elite, I require an immediate audience."

The Time Lords' eyes widen, and they scramble to get away, sprinting quietly down the halls as she glares at the dark metal door before her.

[Alpha Base - Rassilon's Office]

The door glides open, and she enters, confidently descending the large entryway, her claret furry aphix collar high around her neck. The embroidered red Akmespiritus Head of House robe flows around her, showcasing the vibrant multi-colored gown of The Ten and the striking scarlet First Elite belt that cinches her waist.