rec [fic]: How Martha Jones Saved the World, etc by LizBee

[justmcshane]

Today's rec bingo (card here!) fills the fifth row, second column prompt 'fix-it'.

 

Title: How Martha Jones Saved the World and Lucy Saxon Initiated Divorce Proceedings With Extreme Prejudice

Creator: LizBee

Rating: Teen and up

Word Count/Length/Size: 12092 words

Creator's Summary: Entirely AU conclusion to "The Sound of Drums", in which companions come to the rescue, UNIT blows stuff up and Lucy Saxon's pocket-watch is opened.

Characters/Pairings: Martha Jones, Romana II, Tenth Doctor, The Master (Simm), Lucy Saxon, Sarah Jane Smith, Liz Shaw, Jo Grant, Ace McShane, Tegan Jovanka, Jack Harkness, Winifred Bambera

Warnings/Notes: Non-con

Reasons for reccing: LizBee is a wonderful, wonderful author whose work I've loved since I was about 12. Yes, really. (I've been in this fandom for far too long, I think.) Anyway, this particular fic is one that I only discovered pretty recently - in the last year or so - and when I first read it, I couldn't believe that I hadn't done so yet, because... it's really very well done. It's an alternate ending to the Simm!Master-takes-Earth arc (reportedly written in the week between episodes, which is pretty impressive if you ask me) in which a whole host of Classic Who ladies join Martha in her efforts to take the Master down and save the Doctor. And in typical Classic Who lady style, they do it wonderfully. Every single familiar face in this made me smile widely - Sarah Jane, taking charge; Ace, still explosively wonderful as an adult; Liz and Jo (who saw the Master coming from miles away), and every single other one there. I have a weakness for ensemble casts, really, so it's no wonder that I loved this story. 

This fic is pitch-perfect when it comes to character voices, and more than that - the dialogue is smart and funny when it needs to be, and I can't help but wish that this is how the episode did go. Please go check it out, especially if you love reading about a whole bunch of beautiful fantastic women being awesome together!

"Well," said the severe-looking woman who had been introduced as Brigadier-General Bambera, "now that we've dispensed with the pleasantries, perhaps we could get down to business."

"Yes," said Sarah.  "Business."  She guided Martha to the last empty armchair, then took her place in the centre of the room.  "As most of you know, I've been tracking Harold Saxon since ... well, since the moment he appeared in the public eye."  She smiled weakly.  "Thought he might have been working for the Sycorax, or the Slitheen in some way, although ... well.  I was collaborating with Vivian Rook, who disappeared yesterday.  Our notes," she waved a thick folder, "are in here.

"It was Jo," she continued, "who gave us our first hint as to Saxon's real identity."

"Hint?" called Jo.  "I said it was him.  I wrote a report!  And sent it off in triplicate."

"How'd you know?" Tegan asked.

"I met him on the campaign trail," Jo said.  "He was terribly charming, but once you've been hypnotised, kidnapped, nearly sacrificed ... well, you just don't forget that man.  Whatever he looks like."

"Anyway," said Sarah, "UNIT was made aware of the situation, and I ... well, I usually find out what UNIT's doing."  She gave Bambera an impish smile, which Bambera entirely failed to return.  "So we were somewhat prepared, but not for this.  And I'm hoping that Martha will be able to fill in some of the gaps in our current knowledge."

 

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22470/chapters/29219