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The suns rose over the Citadel, the glass bulb surrounding the spires and walkways shimmering the light from Gallifrey’s twin suns. Shadows were cast, making shelters from the heat provided. Rassilon, high up in his spire, got out of bed, and changed into his dark-red Presidential Robes. Placing the bulky, and quite heavy, brass collar around his neck, he made himself a coffee, and stepped outside. Standing outside was two Chancellery guards. But they were looking up. There were banners all over the citadel as a political decision. Of course, each presidential nominee had their own Council-founded banners, (much to Rassilon’s chagrin) with their faces on it, and a statement about their policies. Rassilon, of course, loved seeing his face on a giant banner. Then, he looked at the banner. There, scrawled on his face, was a unibrow. There was, of course, cartoon-like glasses doodled on his face. His bearded face twitched in anger as he dropped his mug, the white porcelain shattering against the silver walkway.
Rassilon stormed into the War Council chambers, the rest of the Council waiting around the table. Rassilon took his seat, and leered around.
“Where is Mia?” He questioned. “She was meant to supervise the gates.”
“Rollo advised I send an agent to supervise her.” Ollistra explained.
“That fool.” Rassilon muttered. “Why do we value his opinion?”
“The same reason Gallifrey values yours.” Ollistra reminded. Somehow, her voice had a calming effect. Had it been anyone else, Rassilon would’ve snapped their neck himself. “I haven’t received any updates from her, though.” Rassilon glared at Ollistra, who promptly followed with. “Abyenus isn’t the betraying type.” She reinforced.
“I’ll increase Chancellery Security. If anyone sees any of those four, they’re to report directly to me.” Kanteer defused.
“They better had.” Rassilon pouted. “And those guards positioned outside my quarters?”
“Will be dismissed immediately.” Kanteer reassured.
“I should hope so.” Rassilon leered. “Remember why you’re on this Council.” Kanteer shuddered as he remembered his predecessor. She had once commanded respect, but had quit in support of a revolution. Curiously, he couldn’t recall who had led that. He shook his head, and re-focused on this issue.
“I shall increase security.” Kanteer reminded.
“You are losing your touch.” Leela pointed out. She had remained silent throughout this council session. “The people of Gallifrey will believe the vandalism.” She swept her hand over the table, a new banner of Rassilon showing. Scrawled below his name was the phrase ‘the warmonger’
“I presume we have a statement?” Rassilon questioned.
“Of course, Lord President.” Ollistra confirmed. “As I am sure you are all aware, several of my banners were defaced overnight.” She began, remembering the statement she had written in preparation.
Far across the Citadel, Rassilon’s voice boomed through every radio and screen.
“I condemn any attempts to defame a Presidential Candidate.” Rassilon’s voice came through a small radio, his voice tinny. The Warrior switched it off, barely missing a heating pipe with his hand.
“Right, there’s step two done.” The Warrior muttered to himself. Step one had been to get back to the Citadel.
“What now?” Ashleighagus questioned.
“You stay here with Mia. If anybody spots you, they’re liable to bring the whole Citadel down upon us.” The Warrior ordered. “I’ll get your CIA friend to take me to the citadel. Perhaps I can get my TARDIS, and you’ll be safe.” He planned, walking over to Abyenus. “I’m ready to be arrested.”
“My orders were to not arrest you.” Abyenus reminded. “Merely to take you to the War Council.”
“Then I suppose you’d better take me there.” Abyenus looked at the old man in confusion. “Well? Orders are orders. Wouldn’t want to keep Ollistra waiting.”
“Very well.” Abyenus accepted, standing up with intent and purpose. “Come with me.” She ordered, leading the Warrior out of a small hole. The four of them were hiding within a wall. Once the pair had left, Mia and Ashleighagus looked at each other.
“Did he tell you to stay somewhere?” Ashleighagus questioned.
“Yes.” Mia confirmed, recalling the time on Autos 5.
“Did you?” Ashleighagus asked. Mia smirked, with it quickly growing to Ashleighagus’s face.
In the Council reception, the Warrior looked down at the young Time Lady in the horseshoe desk.
“Hello.” He smiled, feeling somewhat cheeky.
“We’re here to see Castellan Kanteer.” Abyenus added.
“I’m afraid he’s in a meeting.” The Time Lady informed.
“I am a CIA agent. Under the authority of Cardinal Ollistra, I order you let us see the Castellan.” Abyenus added. The Time Lady sighed. This was beyond her pay grade. She waved them through to a lift, and the Warrior stepped in first, followed by Abyenus. The doors closed, and Abyenus made a comment to the Warrior. “What are you so happy about? They’re liable to execute you as an accessory to treason.”
“No, they wouldn’t do that. I’m in too many of their good graces.” The Warrior smiled. “I’ve been useful in this war so far.” He nodded.
“And your friend?” Abyenus asked.
“Well, that’s why I’m here.” The Warrior smiled, adjusting his leather jacket. Abyenus looked at him in confusion. The doors dinged, and slid open. “Hello there, everyone.” The Warrior greeted, smiling at the shocked War Council. Not even Leela had suspected this move.
Further down, walking the Citadel, was Mia and Ashleighagus, the latter covered in an impromptu disguise made from discarded Low Town clothes. They were baggy, and sat loosely against Ashleighagus’s chubby figure.
“Did he do anything to you?” Ashleighagus questioned. The pair had met at a Presidential Camp back when they were both running for Lady President.
“He pulled me into service.” Mia explained. “Unfortunately, that just so happened to mean I couldn’t uphold my campaign commitments.” She added, putting on a mock surprise tone.
“Well, at least you weren’t labelled a traitor.” Ashleighagus pointed out.
“I have been in the past.” Mia remembered.
“Any guesses who Rassilon will blame it on?” Ashleighagus questioned, trying to make conversation.
“His best bet would be Hayleyphelus. She’s the artistic kind.” Mia guessed.
“Kazalcus does have a bit of a temper. I think Rassilon might blame him.”
“The one who he actually agrees with?” Mia questioned Ashleighagus’s logic. Admittedly, both Rassilon and Kazalcus were both very big on anger and war. But all around the citadel, the messages of Rassilon being a warmonger and a defamatory man began to sweep, even reaching the Matrix.
“Ah, there it is.” The Warrior smiled, walking over to the battered blue box he called home. He patted it and turned back to the War Council. “So, who among you lot thought I had gone bad again?” He questioned, immediately taking charge.
“Where is the traitor?” Rassilon questioned.
“Which traitor? There seems to be a lot of them in this day and age. Katiealus, The Master, practically everybody’s been a traitor. Even me!” The Warrior chuckled.
“Ashleighagus.” Ollistra answered.
“Good to see you know her name.” The Warrior admitted, his hearts piercing for the fact they hadn’t even known Katiealus’s name until he had mentioned it. “What proof do you have of her wrongdoing?” He asked, suddenly turning serious.
“We have a transmission on record.” Rassilon informed, playing a recording from the table. It displayed the co-ordinates of Gallifrey, and instructions on how to get through the sky trenches.
“And I presume Volusem isn’t available to preside over this case?” The Warrior questioned.
“He is on a negotiation mission. Once that is completed, he will take over Seratrix’s negotiation.” Ollistra explained. “He won’t be available for a few millenia.”
“And all the while, you preside over everything.” The Warrior stated the obvious. Admittedly, the War Council would need to vote, but Rassilon had enough members that it would effectively be his decision. “I hope you haven’t damaged her more than she already is.” He muttered, referring to his TARDIS.
“Why have you returned?” Kanteer questioned.
“To force a negotiation.” The Warrior admitted. The War Council looked at each other in shock. “Two days ago, you tried to kill a friend of mine.” He recalled. “And three days ago, you seemingly absolved yourself of responsibility about the death of Katiealus. Now, I give myself little debriefs, it’s how I hold myself accountable.” The Warrior continued, watching as the faces of the War Council fell, with Leela’s and Kenossium’s faces rising from the new statement. “And I doubt you’ve been into the old girl.” He smirked. “So, in there is me saying aloud that you covered up the death of a commanding officer, and promoting her murderer.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Kanteer stated. “You would cause anarchy on the streets of Gallifrey.”
“I didn’t before, but I do now.” The Warrior reminded.
“Which puts us in a precarious predicament.” Ollistra stated. “If we were to condemn your statement, we’d be condemning your voice.”
“And down falls your golden child. The man called to arms.” The Warrior smiled. He had finally backed the War Council into a corner. “You already know what I want, and you know what I’m willing to exchange.”
“The information on Katiealus for rescinding Ashleighagus’s traitor designation.” Kanteer added. “You are a clever man. It’s a shame you quit.”
“I had other things to do.” The Warrior nodded.
“Except you’ve forgotten that you’re in our Capitol now.” Rassilon reminded. “You now have no power over us.” Just then, the Castellan received a transmission. Appearing over the War Table was a hologram of a Chancellery Officer. Specifically, it was Davilaken.
“Castellan, I’ve taken the liberty of increasing security at the voting booths around Gallifrey.” Davilaken confirmed.
“Excellent.” Rassilon smiled. “Continue your search for the traitor.” He ordered. “I have one final address to make.” He smirked.
Meanwhile, Mia and Ashleighagus were skulking around the Capitol, trying to avoid any sight of the Chancellery Guards working security at the voting booths.
“So, what now?” Ashleighagus questioned.
“I’d suggest we avoid the people who are actively looking to kill you.” Mia drily answered.
“While staying in the Citadel?” Ashleighagus joked.
“His plan will work.” Mia soothed.
“Well, I’m glad you have faith.” Ashleighagus sneered. Just then, an alert came through on a large screen. It was the Public Register Video. Admittedly, this was unprecedented. No Lord President had ever made an announcement on the Public Register on election day. The screen flashed before Rassilon’s bearded face appeared.
“Time Lords of Gallifrey.” Rassilon greeted. “I am aware that some of you will have already voted, but I have a new announcement for you all.” He smiled.
“That can’t be good.” Ashleighagus muttered.
“There has been a recent issue regarding the running of Ashleighagus as Madam President. With the assistance of the Doctor,” Rassilon explained, gesturing to the old man who had once been known as the Doctor. “We have her under control. I am willing to forgive her for her actions, since I am a just and fair President.” Rassilon added. “She is no longer a fugitive of Gallifrey, and I implore you all to forgive her for her misguided decisions.” The crowd roared in happiness. Now that the traitor had been found and forgiven, they now felt compelled to vote Rassilon. After all, who wouldn’t vote for a kind and forgiving Lord President? “I only wish to tell her this myself. If any of you see her, please bring her to me.”
“I smell a trap.” Mia told Ashleighagus.
“You think?” Ashleighagus hissed.
“That wasn’t the deal.” The Warrior glared.
“I did as you requested.” Rassilon reminded. “She is no longer a fugitive. Now, delete your information.” He explained. “I have given her a Presidential Pardon; she is no longer your concern.”
“When she’s given a fair presidential campaign, then she won’t be my concern.” The Warrior added. “If Volusem was here, what would he say?” The Warrior questioned.
“I would say that such an act would be unconstitutional.” A voice added, coming from the lift. Every head turned to greet the white-robed High Chancellor. He had a brown beard and hair that somehow conveyed unprepared and elegance. Said hair sat high on his head, but still covered the back of his head. “We would be required to disqualify the current Presidential Election, which would constitute a violation of the Time Lord Speech charter, put in place by Pandad the first.” He explained. “I apologise for my absence at such a time.” He apologised, walking over to his own seat. He sat down, allowing the centre of his robes to fold out over his legs. “I apologise, Doctor. But the constitutional thing to do is to allow this election to continue.”
“He defamed her.” The Warrior stated.
“Where is your proof?” Volusem questioned.
“Where is the proof she sent that message?” The Warrior rebutted.
“It is in my personal chambers.” Rassilon smiled. “Shall we?”
“We shall.” The Warrior added.
“I wish to see this proof for myself. I shall accompany you,” Volusem interjected, raising a hand to halt any preemptive interruption. “As the High Chancellor, it is my responsibility to ensure that evidence is shown properly. Both in court and out.” He added. Leela noted that she would have to bring up the Visionary to Volusem when there was a spare moment. The three of them left the room, with the doors sliding shut.
The Warrior, Rassilon, and Volusem were prepared to enter his quarters, the two guards standing watch over the highly secure chambers. Rassilon reached up and pressed his hand against the door. As his two companions watched, the door slid open. The room was neat, with a literal red carpet welcoming them in. A bed sat, built into the wall, with a bathroom off to the side. Rassilon walked over to the three panels circling out of the wall. He began to type on a keyboard, pulling up records. They were projected into the air in the middle of the room.
“There. An intercepted communication, sent from a personal communicator: designation 57205825.” Rassilon explained.
“Would that be this one?” A voice came from behind them. It was Ashleighagus, holding up a small, cylindrical device the colour of shining silver.
“You would be Ashleighagus?” Volusem questioned, turning around. “And Miaselen.” He greeted.
“We got your message.” Mia explained.
“I thought I told you to stay out of sight.” The Warrior dryly added.
“I don’t take orders from you anymore. Haven’t done it for ages.” Mia defended.
“Besides, we figured that he’d be coming back here.” Ashleighagus added, handing her communicator over to Volusem. He accepted it, and checked the designation.
“It is not a match.” Volusem stated. “This one did not send that message.”
“Well, then. I do apologize for any inconvenience.” Rassilon stated. “Of course, you are free to go. Enjoy your Voting Day.” He smiled. Ashleighagus stared, in shock.
“He labelled me a traitor!” Ashleighagus shouted. “He sabotaged my run after a Chancellery Guard tried to shoot me!”
“That is a very serious allegation.” Volusem added grimly. “And one that I shall have to confer with the Castellan about. Until then, your accusation has been noted.” Volusem added, dismissing any hopes that the case would be picked up any time soon. Ashleighagus stared at him, before storming off.
“I know it was a Chancellery Guard, I was there!” The Warrior confirmed, exasperated.
“Do not make me charge you with contempt of the legal system.” Volusem requested. “The case will be handled, and you will be called to give evidence when the Inquisitor Prime sees fit.” The Warrior was absolutely furious. “Need I remind you of how many laws you have broken?” He questioned calmly. “Hijack of a hospital ship. Disobeying a Presidential Order. Harbouring a known fugitive.” Volusem began to list, Mia wincing at the fugitive remark. “Trespassing. And that is only in this life.” A moment passed, tension strong in the air. “Would you like me to go further back?” He questioned. The Warrior took a deep breath, and stepped outside.
Ashleighagus had already begun to walk away, preparing herself for her inevitable conscription and deployment.
“Wait!” The Warrior called.
“Why should I?” Ashleighagus questioned, stopping to face him. “We had a plan. Bring down Rassilon’s public image, then I take over.” She recalled. “Gallifrey becomes a better place for all.”
“He gave me an opportunity.” The Warrior explained. “Revolutions don’t end well, believe me.” He added, recalling an event from early in his lifetime.
“I don’t care.” Ashleighagus stated. “I thought we were a team. And now, you betray me?” The Warrior’s face conveyed helplessness, but Ashleighagus didn’t care. She had been betrayed. Now, nothing mattered. “I’m going to die on the battlefield. Maybe you should too.” She insulted, before storming off. The Warrior reached out a jacketed arm, but was left with nothing but air in his hands.
Inside his TARDIS, the Warrior stood at the console, and sat back in his red chair. He felt as if he had betrayed his only friend, with Mia still on Gallifrey. As if to distract him, the console set off a noise.
“What is it now?” He questioned, getting up and swinging the screen around. As he read it aloud, he was surprised. It gave him a news article about two Time Lords, named Arverton and Bennus, who had volunteered to man a Time Destructor at Omega One. But then, the screen flashed a warning.
“CIA Involvement?” The Warrior muttered. “That can’t possibly be right.” Then, he looked up. The console seemed to glow just a little brighter. “Oh, very well. Let’s go save them.” He sighed, setting the coordinates.
In the War Council chambers, Volusem had just sat down. Rassilon was Lord President incumbent once more.
“I shall relay Ashleighagus’s case to the Inquisitor Prime.” He reminded Rassilon.
“High Chancellor Volusem, I have something I must tell you.” Leela added. Volusem turned to look at her. She was the only non-Gallifreyan on the War Council, so Volusem valued her opinion just a smidge more than the others. “Rassilon brought in a Visionary to assist with the search against her will.”
“If this is true, then you will have majorly transgressed your responsibility, Rassilon.” Volusem stated.
“It was her idea.” Rassilon stated, referring to Leela. She glared at him, then to the rest of the War Council. Rassilon still had Romana trapped in a pocket universe, and as such, had Leela in his pocket.
“That is not so!” Leela shouted.
“Well, both sides will need to prove their case.” Volusem stated. “However, I cannot permit either party to engage in War Council business until the case is heard.” Just then, Leela realised how much it had backfired. “War Chief Leela, Lord President Rassilon. By the powers vested in me by the Insquisitorial Council, I dismiss you both from War Council Duty effective immediately.”
“Except that would go against the voice of the Gallifreyan Public.” Rassilon stated. “I myself was voted in mere hours ago.” He added.
“Then I apologise, Lord President. However, I cannot permit Leela to continue on this council.” Volusem admitted. “War Chief Leela, please turn in you Council robes immediately. You shall be demoted to Commander, and a War Chief shall be chosen in your place by the War Council.”
“Do you not see?” Leela questioned. “It is all Rassilon’s doing.” She stated. At a wave from Rassilon, two Chancellery Officers stepped forth from the lift and took Leela by the arms. “He is manipulating you! He cares only for himself!” Leela shouted, struggling against the Officers. Her next outburst was covered by the metal doors of the lift closing.
“Who shall be our next War Chief?” Kanteer questioned.
“I know of a person.” Rassilon smiled, pulling up the image of the Scendele’s President Nominee. In that moment, Rassilon, Ollistra, and Kanteer knew that their next War Chief would be Kazalcus.