Absolutely brilliant - without a doubt the best Seventh Doctor story I've read. The attention to detail, describing every thought and subtle movement, is stunning.
The way you presented the Master was also interesting. I haven't come across many writers who've managed to create sympathy for the 'villain' without taking away the threat he poses. All the relationships between the characters in this story are spot-on, and the imposter Doctor created a very interesting dynamic.
Overall, great job!

Not too shabby, to say the least.

A truly chilling sequel to “Survival”, forcing not only Ace to face up to the darkest aspects of her own personality, but also forcing the Doctor to confront his own darker side as he finds himself pitted against the Master once again, faced with no alternative but to resort to his enemy’s own methods in order to save his companion from succumbing to her own baser instincts.

Plus, of course, the depth of character you gave the Master was very commendable; it was never possible for us to SYMPATHISE with him, but at the same time we did get a very interesting insight into what made him tick, as well as looking at the similarities and differences between the two Time Lords; they might both travel throughout the cosmos, but in the end the Master simply CANNOT understand why the Doctor takes in companions, while the Doctor’s ability to rely on others and trust them when he has to- as well as his willingness to resort to more direct options such as “When all else fails, hit it” rather than the Master’s need to rely on elaborate plans to achieve his victory- gives him far more options in a crisis than the Master can ever possess.

And as for Ace herself…

EXCELLENT bit of work there, really; she might not be the most intellectual companion the Doctor’s ever had, but when push comes to shove you can always count on her to tell the bad guys where they can stick it and come through for the Doctor when he needs her.

Unfortunately, your story’s let down by one crucial problem; everything happens too rapidly.

The idea of the Doctor recruiting the Master to help him out, the construction of the machine, the subsequent ‘trip’ through Ace’s mental landscape…

It’s all too QUICK; even if we assume that Fenric was caught off-guard by the addition of the Master to the equation, that doesn’t change the fact that something as powerful and ancient as Fenric should have been able to present a bit more of a challenge in the final assault (As well as possibly having more patience to mount an assault like this over time rather than just trying to take Ace’s body at this kind of rate, even if he ‘disguised’ himself by using the Cheetah ‘infection’).

I had no problem with WHAT you did, of course- the part where Fenric posed as the Doctor in Ace’s mind and nearly wiped her memories of the real model was particularly interesting-; I just think you could have drawn it out a bit more.

That aside, though, VERY interesting reading; keep up the good work!

I absolutely adore (I think I used adore reviewing another story of yours an hour or so ago, but I lack variety in my vocabulary. Anyway...) your Master. I wish he were a bit less panicky, but I love the rest of his personality. He has so much more depth here then a 2D villain, but he is still unquestionably the same Master we know. Yay for lovable evil. I also, like one of your other reviewers, prefer the fifth doctor and ainley!master but you write seven so perfectly that it's wonderful just as it is.

After reading your very excellent Sapphire and Steel story (may I beg you for more? my tiny fandom deserves more love) I discovered you also wrote Seventh Doctor stories, which is... REALLY cool. I especially love this story. All of your characters are very... well, in character... but the real reason I loved this story is for your sympathetic depiction of the Ainley Master, who is definitely my favorite. I must admit, however, that my favorite Doctor after Seven is Five, although you don't seem to think very much of him... To me, it seemed like the Fifth Doctor and the Ainley Master had a more interesting dynamic than before or after... Anyway, Survival is one of the best episodes of Old Who, so a continuation of it is really excellent... and I am rambling, aren't I.

you are so good. so very good.

Wow! Powerful Chapter! Love the exchange between the Doctor and the Pythia particularly when the Doctor tries to reach Ace with the "Yellow Cube" and I really liked (if that is possible) the Master in this chapter. Much stronger character here than in the previous chapter. In some instances he comes across as very daring and bolder than the Doctor himself but then again how emotionally involved is he when it comes to the individual (being Ace). He is not really capable of that sentiment.

I love the fact that in this chapter the Doctor is just so totally in control and exerts his superiority over the Master even in sometimes subtle ways. When they are falling and the Master is in total panic mode and I get the feeling that the Doctor is putting on a bit of a exhibition for his companion's benefit. And of course when the Doctor just waves his hand and dust just disappears but the Master is not as fortunate. Although it was a nice touch when the Master did show a bit of spirit when the Doctor reproachs himself for what has befallen Ace. Reveals just how deeply the Doctor cares for his companion and how much the Master must look upon that as a sign of weakness.

And of course a great ending with the reappearance of Fenric!

Good Chapter. Very Ace-like! The later part of the chapter is particulary good when Ace is forgetting her past. I really love the following lines "She forgot that Aces were rare". and "She forgot bus stations and cruelty and unrequited love. She forgot burnt toast".

Wonderful and memorable lines from the 7th Doctor era from two of my favorite 7th Doctor epis "Battlefield" and "Ghost Light".

And the following lines speak volumes about the Doctor and Ace's relationship:

"She forgot the Doctor holding her close after she broke from the virus’ control. She forgot his arm around her shoulder as they walked away from the battle. She forgot cities made of song and tea getting cold. She forgot they had work to do."

Excellent!

Excellent! I was wondering about this paragraph though:

"The Master lowered him to the ground and stepped away from the precipice. The Doctor, displaying his usual lack of common sense, stood on the very edge as he examined the mirror. The wind coming off the mountains caught at him and he swayed. The Master’s hearts gave a lurch at the sight and he hauled the Doctor to safety with a single hard tug at his arm. The Doctor didn’t even bother bemoaning his rough treatment. All his attention was diverted. He held up the mirror so it caught the light, and peered into its depths."

Hard to imagine the Master showing any concern for the Doctor falling to his death. Interesting though... Maybe he has something else in mind for the Doctor.

I love the idea of the two timelords reading each others minds and the emotions the Master experiences through the Doctor. Also good is when the Doctor discovers the "eject command" and how you describe the Doctor's reaction to this discovery. It is so typical 7th Doctor and how even his low-key reaction to this seems so menacing. It's easy to see why even the Master fears this regeneration but also shows a grudging admiration at the same time. You can perceive how they may have been friends at one time. I just love the various and complex aspects of this Doctor's personality. You definitely hit the mark in this chapter. Good Stuff! Love it!

I enjoy the Doctor and his nemesis working together even though you know the Master is up to something. The part about If it doesn't work... hit it. I laughed out loud when the Doctor came back with the metal club. Yes I could guess what he was going to do with it... Funny stuff! We do have a tendency to strike objects when they don't work don't we and sometimes it does work. Very entertaining chapter!

Excellent writing in this chapter but then again all your chapters so far are great. I could just picture Ace walking through that desert. A fascinating and sinster interaction between Ace and the Fake Doctor! He's so manipulative just like our beloved 7th Doctor can be but of course much more menacing! Great work!

. . . and now the Doctor saves the day.

Right?

Once again, excellent.

Absolutely LOVE it.

Keep up the good work :)

Another excellent chapter. I really like the fake Doctor scenario in this chapter. The fake Doctor also allows the chapter to focus a bit on the 7th Doctor/Ace relationship(from Ace's POV). My favorite line is when the false Doctor says "And which reality would you prefer?" I like that alot. Good Work!

If it doesn't work, hit it.

Gotta love the Doctor. . .

This story has me itching to find some old Seventh Doctor/Ace episodes.

Brilliant.