44 // [Video]
[Video opens on the Master sitting behind his desk. He is every inch the concerned, sympathetic, rational politician. He's obviously bathed, shaved, and put on a cardigan and tie. He looks wholesome but not overdressed. Additionally, he's brushed his hair but it's still a bit long, and blond. Staring solemnly at the screen, he begins.]
I should begin this announcement by apologising, and informing you all, but especially those that were subject to indignities inflicted upon their person that I am deeply sorry for everything that has happened to you. However, I think it only fair to inform you of my side of the series of events.
I’ll have to start my explanation by informing anyone here who doesn’t know that I’m not human. I’m what you’d refer to as an alien, a Time Lord from the planet of Gallifrey: a planet that no longer exists due to an intergalactic war. [He pauses, as if waiting for this information to sink in for the viewers.] My main purpose in stating this is to inform you that my biology functions in a different way to humans. I am able to prolong my existence as part of my birthright, and it was this that led to certain…difficulties.
[A pause for a deep breath, and then he speaks with a certain depth of feeling. This is something that clearly actually bothers him. The political facade remains intact, however.]
Over a month ago, I was removed from the City and returned to death. I had managed to reconstitute myself on entrance to the City but once removed, I was dead again, and only returned to life through the involvement of a group for whom I had left instructions. However, my resurrection was interrupted by my ex-wife, who had killed me the first time by shooting me, and killed me for a second time by introducing a foreign chemical into my resurrection. The following explosion destroyed the building and everyone in it but myself. However, I was left with faulty biology and DNA that gradually degenerated unless I stabilised it through constant nutritional intake.
[He smiles very slightly, ruefully.] Oh, sorry, I’m being needlessly complex.
[Completely seriously again.] Essentially, all rational thought was replaced with overwhelming hunger and a need to constantly eat. My mind was essentially animalistic and I suppose here I’ll apologise again for any unsettling discourse experienced by anyone attempting to talk with me. My lucidity was fleeting and barely existent. On occasion it may have seemed as if I was in control but I assure you, it was merely an attempted semblance, based upon what I retained of my memories. I was effectively a shell for the hunger.
Of course, I’ve evidently recovered, which is due entirely to the fact that I was compelled during a curse to organise a trade with the deities to regain my self-control and permanently stabilise my lifeforce. I do, of course, wish I had been rational and competent enough to have repaired myself without needing to resort to the deities, but in my weakened state, I was unable to resist the curse, or the allure of my sanity.
Additionally, yes, my name is, in actuality, the Master, but for the sake of comfort and to avoid any uneasiness with the name’s associations, you may all continue to refer to me as Harold Saxon.
My condolences to any Citizens who were negatively affected by my insanity. If there is any way I might offer reparation to any afflicted parties, please, let me know.
[He pauses again, to reinforce how very serious he is about this indeed.]
Oh, and, Penny? If I might, I'd like to come and pick up Masha at your earliest convenience. Thank you for taking care of her.
[Reaching forward, he switches the device off.]
I should begin this announcement by apologising, and informing you all, but especially those that were subject to indignities inflicted upon their person that I am deeply sorry for everything that has happened to you. However, I think it only fair to inform you of my side of the series of events.
I’ll have to start my explanation by informing anyone here who doesn’t know that I’m not human. I’m what you’d refer to as an alien, a Time Lord from the planet of Gallifrey: a planet that no longer exists due to an intergalactic war. [He pauses, as if waiting for this information to sink in for the viewers.] My main purpose in stating this is to inform you that my biology functions in a different way to humans. I am able to prolong my existence as part of my birthright, and it was this that led to certain…difficulties.
[A pause for a deep breath, and then he speaks with a certain depth of feeling. This is something that clearly actually bothers him. The political facade remains intact, however.]
Over a month ago, I was removed from the City and returned to death. I had managed to reconstitute myself on entrance to the City but once removed, I was dead again, and only returned to life through the involvement of a group for whom I had left instructions. However, my resurrection was interrupted by my ex-wife, who had killed me the first time by shooting me, and killed me for a second time by introducing a foreign chemical into my resurrection. The following explosion destroyed the building and everyone in it but myself. However, I was left with faulty biology and DNA that gradually degenerated unless I stabilised it through constant nutritional intake.
[He smiles very slightly, ruefully.] Oh, sorry, I’m being needlessly complex.
[Completely seriously again.] Essentially, all rational thought was replaced with overwhelming hunger and a need to constantly eat. My mind was essentially animalistic and I suppose here I’ll apologise again for any unsettling discourse experienced by anyone attempting to talk with me. My lucidity was fleeting and barely existent. On occasion it may have seemed as if I was in control but I assure you, it was merely an attempted semblance, based upon what I retained of my memories. I was effectively a shell for the hunger.
Of course, I’ve evidently recovered, which is due entirely to the fact that I was compelled during a curse to organise a trade with the deities to regain my self-control and permanently stabilise my lifeforce. I do, of course, wish I had been rational and competent enough to have repaired myself without needing to resort to the deities, but in my weakened state, I was unable to resist the curse, or the allure of my sanity.
Additionally, yes, my name is, in actuality, the Master, but for the sake of comfort and to avoid any uneasiness with the name’s associations, you may all continue to refer to me as Harold Saxon.
My condolences to any Citizens who were negatively affected by my insanity. If there is any way I might offer reparation to any afflicted parties, please, let me know.
[He pauses again, to reinforce how very serious he is about this indeed.]
Oh, and, Penny? If I might, I'd like to come and pick up Masha at your earliest convenience. Thank you for taking care of her.
[Reaching forward, he switches the device off.]