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By Root 579 0

save anybody? snapped Anji, spreading her arms in a wild, exasperated gesture. We spend all our time saving others, risking our own lives constantly to try to help people we dont know, but if what you say is true then why should we help them at all? Because Dave is just like them he didnt die in an accident, or in bed, or in any human, reasonable way I can relate to. He was another victim of alien forces, like all those other people we help. If I can help them, then why cant I save someone I care about for once? Dave was an innocent, more innocent than most of the people we help, and he died because of somestupid alien conflict that was nothing to do with him. It was wrong that he died, and I was given a chance to put that right. I took that chance, and I dont see why the hell I should apologise for it.

You really did think this all through, didnt you? said the Doctor quietly.

Of course, said Anji. Thats who I am. Did you think I would betray your trust lightly?

The Doctor shook his head. No, I should have realised you had good reasons. He smiled sadly. All we can do is act on what we think is right. Thats what you do, thats what I do. The fact that weve made different decisions shouldnt be an issue.

Im sorry I betrayed you, said Anji. But my first loyalty had to be to Dave. It was a risk trusting Silver, and its all gone wrong. But I did what I had to do.

I know, said the Doctor. I would probably have done much the same in your position. He suddenly clapped his hands together, shocking his human friends. Now, we need to stop Silver from using the secrets of the TARDIS, protect this new Dave and save humanity from becoming these... things.

Silver calls them the Silverati, said Anji. Presumably to indicate they follow after him. I think hes sick of being the only one like him.

A common enough urge, said the Doctor. But Silverati? How pretentious. The Doctor shook his head wearily. Anyway, whatever theyre called they need to be stopped. Where do we start?

Fitz jumped to his feet. By getting out of here? he suggested with a grin.

The Doctor beamed back. Exactly.

Anji found herself grinning in spite of herself. And you have a devious and subtle plan, of course?

Of course, said the Doctor. Fitz, could you carefully reach into your righthand coat pocket. And dont press any buttons you find.

Fitz, confused, reached into his pocket. With a startled expression he pulled out a dark blue disc.

Its that mine thingy, said Fitz, carefully passing it to the Doctor. I thought you...

Put it back in the box? finished the Doctor. Yes, well, I didnt want Miraso throwing them around but I wanted one handy. And I knew Silver was more likely to check myself and Miraso for weapons, so where better to hide it than your pocket?

Explosives? Its not very subtle, is it? said Anji.

No, admitted the Doctor. I lied about the plan being subtle. Oh, and about it being devious. He ran his finger around the top edge of the mine, and it lit up. But sometimes, you just have to take the direct approach. He squeezed a button on the top of the mine and threw it at the door where it clamped itself in place with a faint sucking sound.

Now, said the Doctor, putting his arms around Fitz and Anjis shoulders and dragging them away from the door. This might be quite loud...

For the vastly ambitious, even a whole world can seem like a cage.

For Silver, control of Endpoint was nothing. He had manipulated and dominated the planets economy, its politics, its society for so long that the official seizure of power was nothing but an acknowledgement of the inevitable. Controlling by stealth had been a game, one which had occupied his time when he was without wider options. Now his options had expanded, and the time for games was over. Endpoint was his. The last dregs of humanity were becoming the first generation of a new species, the progeny his unique nature had denied him. The Silverati. Although there were only three dozen of them so far, a prototype batch, Silver was pleased with his creations so far.

He had