01. A door to something else

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

This shouldn't be happening. [Ace turns to see the door she just came through, only to find that it is gone.] Great. This is blood fantastic. All I wanted was a few minutes away from the pomp and circumstance and a bit of fresh air.

I didn't make that happen. [She speaks a little louder in case anyone is listening.] Couldn't of done it even if I wanted to. Not that I do, most of the time. Not even when you're all acting like dull prats with nothing to do but look at me like I'm an insect.

Is this a test? Would it have killed you to give me a head's up? Not even the Professor is this secretive.

Gordon Bennet.

Comments

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

Not quite a test, no. More like an experiment, really.

I'm guessing this is your first time on the Plane?

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

Oh brilliant.

Is that anything to do with the matrix?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Slightly baffled pause.] ...the Matrix?

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

That's probably be a no, then.

[Speaks dryly, as if she's reading something] The Matrix is part of the Amplified Panatropic Computer Network, holding all the combined knowledge of the Time Lords. If you go inside it's a simulated reality where the rules of the physical world don't always apply.

[Her voice is normal again and she roles her eyes] Not that I've been in the Matrix, of course.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

Definitely a no, then. Considering the amount of Time Lord's around here, I think one of them would've realised if it was.

This would be the Astral Plane. It acts as a sort of nexus between realities. You should be able to go back to your own just by thinking about it, I'm sure you'll be pleased to know.

[mercwamouth]

Aaaaand scene.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

And what?

[mercwamouth]

Good delivery. Though the material was a bit melodramatic. Who's the writer? Gordon Bennet? Never heard of him.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

Gordon Bennet is not a writer of anything. It's an expression, what the Professor might call a colloquialism.

And I don't give a damn about my delivery so stuff it.

[mercwamouth]

...Oh, so you're ALWAYS monologuing. Sorry. My mistake.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

No, this isn't a test. I'm sorry.

It's called the Plane.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

Thought it might be summit like a pop quiz - wouldn't put it past some of my Profs to do it.

So what's a Plane then - obviously this isn't the sort you fly in.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

A pop quiz?

It's a nexus, of sorts. A meeting place between different universes and different points in time.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

You know, to make sure you've been paying attention in class? When I was a kid my teachers loved 'em.

A convergence of time? That sounds like it could get dangerous.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Oh, I see. [She can't remember Barbara or Ian doing that, although she'd always paid attention either way.]

That's what I thought, but things seem to be stable here. My grandfather isn't worried, so I'm sure it's fine.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

[she is really happy to see you!] So you have found your way here, as well, child.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

[Startled by the obvious joy from a stranger, and bristled a bit by being called 'child.' And yet something about this woman is so familiar; a look in the eye, the tilt of the head. Where have they met?]

Found my way where? I was in the Citadel a minute ago.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

It is called the Astral Plane. It appears to be a convening point of multiple universes. [tilts her head] The Citadel? I do not recall you spending any time on Gallifrey.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

I never thought to ask what happens when universes meet. Makes sense that they have to somewhere.

Why would you... [A shake of the head. It'll come to her, maybe.] I've seen a bit too much of Gallifrey lately. I'm started at the Academy.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

Universes should not be able to meet. This is wholly illogical.

[frowns] How odd. You never attended Academy in my universe.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[with the barest hint of amusement in his expression] Well, at least it's a distraction.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

I care less about the distraction and more about the idea of anyone trying to manipulate where and when I am.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[an actual, approving smile] An intelligent sort, then. I can't say I'm fond of it either, but it's more pleasant than usual.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

I never find it pleasant when people try to manipulate me - not even when it's the Professor.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

I don't blame you a bit, but there are degrees of unpleasantness. I imagine, for example, you'd rather it was your Professor doing it than...