SUPER important headcanon about “rehabiliated,” “redeemed” Master from talking to @modernwizard who is a fucking genius:
She's talking about how her Alison Cheney and Shalka Master interact in her fanfictions, referring to it as “nonsexual kink,” for context:
ModernWizardToday at 1:32 PM She uses the kinky ideals of discussion and respect and safewords and negotiation as a way to frame her relationship with him. "You want me to interact with you? Then follow my standards."
ModernWizardToday at 1:33 PM He chooses to submit to her because he asserts his independence from the Doctor by actively making that choice.[1:40 PM]
So here is the idea i draw from that: the Master interacts with companions, choosing to be conciliatory and courteous ("submissive" in his pov) to them because to do so is an act of benign but definite independence from the Doctor (his reliance on the Doctor as a defining factor of his identity has always chafed him, and even more so now with the Timeless Child mess).
That act of independence is making a friend with one of the Doctor's companions, an emotional bond, a relationship, which is not contingent on the Doctor's approval, but rather, on the Companion's "rules" of interaction.
Therefore, an act of submission becomes an act of defiance and autonomy, allowing him to maintain his identity of “Master” but in a way that’s benevolent and respectful toward another person!
Another key element: NO Master requires that a black or other POC muse refer to him as “Master.” “M,” “O,” or “Koschei,” depending on the Master and the level of closeness with the companion, is instead used. Because even if the BBC doesn’t recognize this (see Simm Master and the Jones family), it’s got hella problematic real-life implications.