A/N: Wow, it's been nearly a year since I've updated. I bet you didn't think I'd be back. Truthfully, neither did I. But I am. As a new feature and for no other reason than I find it enjoyable, here is a quotation that personifies this chapter.

Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed.

Sir Winston Churchill

And with that, here is the new chapter. A little late but, hopefully, worth it.

Another Time Lord

Chapter Six

Plots and Plans

"Don't be scared, brother dearest. I'm back! You should be happy to see me

The Master laughed maniacally, his insanity painfully visible. It took all of the Doctor's courage not to start running in the other direction. Although he had obviously regenerated, there was no doubt that the man on the screen was his brother. And his greatest enemy. Life tended to get confusing when seemingly polar opposites fused into one. But a little confusion was now the least of the Doctor's worries.

"Eilonwy, it's been far too long. You're starting to look old. That won't do, will it? I have to go now, but don't bother running. It won't do either of you much good. On the other hand, a little chase never hurt anyone. Do as you will, but I'll see you soon…"

The screen slowly faded to black, the Master's cheshire-cat grin remaining on the screen for a disturbingly long time. Eventually, it did fade but the sense of unease and growing anxiety remained with the occupants of the Torchwood base.

Eilonwy was the first to break the silence, a long sigh escaping her lips and filling the air. She gracefully folded into a sitting position on the floor, eyebrows knotted together in thought. The Doctor, with more urgency and less grace, began to pace back and forth.

"Doctor, you know we have to leave," Eilonwy commented.

The Doctor did in fact know this, much as he hoped to avoid it. He couldn't endanger Jack, Martha, and the others. They didn't deserve to die.

"If we don't know what he's planning, we won't know which planet will give us the best tactical advantage," the Doctor offered as his only response. He'd begun to find comfort in his human companions and didn't like the idea of facing something of this magnitude alone. Or with Eilonwy, who was usually quite unpredictable and, more often, unreliable in fight.

The Doctor and Eilonwy began a fierce argument would be the best on which to face him. One without too many people, obviously. Preferably one with no living organisms which could become collateral damage.

"Doctor, we'd like to help. It's only fair. He obviously knows who we are, so it wouldn't be like we'd be safe if you left us," Jack said. The Doctor acknowledged that he had a good point, but he still didn't want to risk losing the only human friends left to him.

"Thanks, Jack. But, from my standpoint, you'll stand a better chance lying low here than throwing you luck behind a half-baked and ill-informed plan that is sure to fail. As of yet, such a pathetic plan doesn't even exist."

"But Doctor," Jack smiled, "I already have a plan."

"That's a horrible idea. Terrible. Completely absurd," the Doctor ranted.

Eilonwy giggled. Her dark eyes reflect her amusement, twinkling with laughter. Jack was completely thrown off guard by her response.

"I rather like the plan. Very straightforward, very human. It may seem impossible, but in actuality it's better then anything we're likely to come up with in time."

Jack, thankful for her praise, remained intent on the Doctor's reaction. The Doctor himself didn't know how to respond. He hated violent confrontation, which Jack's plan would more than likely lead to. He hated involving his human friends in his mess at all. But there didn't seem to be much of a choice…

"Okay, we'll do it. But I want your promise that you won't kill anyone unless it's absolutely necessary."

"Gotcha, boss."

The Doctor rolled his eyes at Jack's sarcastic obedience. Despite himself, the Doctor felt a little hopeful. That is, until he looked at Eilonwy again. Her eyebrows had twisted together again and her gaze was unfocused. What was she planning?

Whatever it was, the Doctor didn't have time to discover it. Her mind was well shielded and time was running out. The Master had never been the most patient of men and his attack was sure to fall sometime soon.

But the Doctor was going to strike first. Thanks to Jack's, as Eilonwy had put it, very human plan, the team would trace the Master's call (with the help of Timelord technology) and attack first. Hopefully, they would be able to defeat the Master before he had time to put his own plan into motion. Unfortunately, the Master was a genius and had months to plan.

But the Doctor was a genius, too. And, although he lacked months of preparations, he was ready to defeat his brother once and for all.

A/N: And so ends another chapter. Hopefully the next one will take less than a year to write and post. I make no promises, but the chances are good. This chapter was inspired by Sefrona's "She Keeps Dead Roses" and the Beatles' "I am the Walrus," both of which have been stuck in my head for the past several weeks. I hope everyone noticed the longer length of this chapter. Snaps for me.

And, while writing, I realized that I'd never exactly specified a time frame for this story. Or, if I did, I don't remember. But, to be clear, it takes place sometime after Rose, during the Martha era. Obviously, it occurs before the season 3 finale and completely ignores all of the Saxon/Master references throughout the series. I haven't really decided where this is going, but it could turn out going in that direction. Or not.

And who loved season 4? Was I the only one? Especially the finale. I hope the specials rock this year. But more than that, I hope David Tennant stays forever. While watching some of the Original Who this summer, I totally believed that Tom Baker was the best old Who. And then I watched Peter Davidson and couldn't decide. It's almost exactly how I felt when Tennant replaced Eccleston. I wish Eccleston had stayed longer, but I really hope Tennant doesn't leave.

And with that, I end my enormously long author's note that's nearly as long as my story. I should work on that….. but please review!