Mono-Calaxium Eight

"Heard of it!?" exclaimed the Master. "MC8 is one of the most notoriously unstable and dangerous substances in existence!"

"It's banned on every planet in the galaxy!" added the Doctor.

"Not quite," said the Rani. "It's banned on every planet except one. One planet advanced enough to have discovered the compound, but not advanced enough to have fully understood its properties... or to have developed the means to neutralize it."

There was a pause as the import of her words sank in.

"You don't mean--?"

"Yes, Doctor. This planet. These humans you are so fond of have just stumbled upon the secret of MC8, and, even now, the galaxy's only sizeable chunk of the material is under heavy guard by an organization known as--"

"UNIT!" cried Betty-1, in a sudden leap of intuition.

Betty's years of experience with the plot conventions of Doctor Who apparently had stood her in good stead, for the Rani now favored her with an unpleasant look that clearly indicated she was not pleased at having her dramatic revealation anticipated. "Yes," she said. "Of course, I could go in and steal the thing myself, but why take the risk when I have--" she smiled at the Doctor "--a person on the inside."

"I won't do it," said the Doctor. "Even under the most carefully controlled conditions MC8 is too dangerous for anyone to be allowed to use. Least of all a power-hungry megalomaniac like you!"

"Oh, please, Doctor, must we go over all this again?" The Rani was starting to sound annoyed. "I think you will help me. I have your TARDIS. I have your friend." She prodded Betty-2's unconsious body with the pointed toe of her boot. "And if I have to go in and get the MC8, I will, but there will most definitely be bloodshed. And, I assure you, none of it will be mine!"

He scowled at her. She smiled. "So, Doctor, have we a deal?"

1. "Yes," said the Doctor reluctantly.
2. "Wait a moment," said the Master. "Just what part do play in this plan of yours?"