Constellation 04

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[A big tree can be seen on the Plane, it's roots seeming to dig into the 'floor' itself. Arthur is currently sitting under it, his bike a few feet away. He had a run in with the tree a few minutes ago when a sudden car horn startled him, and it's pretty clear who won.

He looks more than a little bruised, and is currently trying to wipe at a particularly nasty-looking cut, mumbling under his breath about reckless drivers]

Comments

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

Because....I couldn't do it, when it mattered. But I want to able to someday.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Mm, it's a good goal. I do hope you reach it. [He does think before asking but he still asks.] When was that?

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

Years ago, back when the war first started.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor considers it, then nods.] Ah, that's why. When will you call your goal reached?

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

......'that's why'?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[Totally innocent.] Hn? Oh, nothing, Arthur. Just thinking to myself. Out loud. I do that every so often.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

Doctor.....[He may or may not sound like he's very politely asking for something. You can practically hear the 'Please?' at the end]

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor hesitates, sighing.] I...inferred the answer.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

From what?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Scientific process?

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

But....there was no data from which to infer a hypothesis.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Oh, well, yes. But there's always observation and experience, extrapolation and inquiry, of course. I'm still in those stages.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

What sort of observations and experiences? From me, you've gained no relevant data.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[Rubs his neck.] Not exactly, no. Merely confirmed a flimsy hypothesis I had based on secondary data. Erm, data gathered rather unintentionally, mind you, but it was relevant at the time or so I thought.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[Arthur stares at him for a moment, then slumps back against the tree] He told you.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[Hedging it a bit.] Not really. I mean, well, not exactly. It technically wasn't like that. It's complicated, Arthur. [He feels vaguely like he should apologise but well. That might not help.]

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

It's okay if he did. I never told him to keep it a secret.

I just hoped nobody else would find out.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[He sighs. He's not really sure about explaining or pressing the vague not!explanation, so he runs a hand through his hair and nods.]

I was concerned, really. That was all it was.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

Did I give you a reason to be?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

That was more instinct than anything. I know him.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[nods] Are you going to....tell anyone, Doctor?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[Rather surprised.] Of course not. Why would I?

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

....I dunno. I just thought I should check, I suppose.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Ah, well, no, I won't tell anyone. I wouldn't worry about it.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[smiles] Thank you.