Constellation 07

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[Arthur sits at his desk, hunched slightly forward, his head resting somewhat on his hand. He's got a history book opened up in front of him, several more stacked around him. Its opened to one of the chapters regarding World War II.

His expression is hinted with confusion, sadness, and anger. But mostly, he just looks very tired. In his left hand is the pocket watch, and h keeps flipping the face open and close, never really looking at it]

Comments

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Actually, it's what had to happen. If I hadn't done that, I would have caused a paradox where I knew Rome would be burnt and yet prevented it from burning or somehow interfered with that process. Paradoxes can cause terrible problems.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

Oh, of course. Time lines.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

I do try to put off solving some paradoxes, mind you, but as a general rule I try not to ruin history. Well, not too much. Some things can be changed. A lot of things, actually, but it depends on the event, on the person, the date...

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

Is there some specific criteria, or....?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Oh, I can feel it. When history can change and when it can't. If time is allowed to bend. I can see the possibilities. I don't usually try to, mind you. It can be maddening. But I can't really help it. It's an innate feeling.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

That's very...interesting, actually. Do all Time Lords have this ability?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

As far as I know, yes. Part of what makes one a Time Lord.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

Does it change at all when you're here?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Yes, it does. Time isn't flowing as it should here. Not in a painful way, though. It's a bit bothersome but it doesn't feel unnatural.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

How does it flow then, if not naturally? No time passes in our realities when we are here, but I assume it has to move regardless....

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

You would assume that. And it does. It isn't stopped. It's... [He frowns. It's a difficult concept to explain to someone who can't feel it. Then he brightens.] Imagine a home in the coldest part of winter. The house itself is nice and warm inside, the air isn't particularly doing anything but settling around you. But there are windows and doors and through the cracks, you can feel the draft from the wind. The wind hasn't stopped blowing just because you're inside. It's still there. But it's obstructed and faint.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[Arthur nods, smiling] You seem very good at that.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor smiles back.] Well, the point of it was to get understanding across.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

I do try to manage that in my books and lectures as often as I can. Scientist shouldn't be the only ones with actual understanding of all the theories.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Yes! I do know that. I think you do well, too.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[He actually blushes lightly at that] Ah, well. Thank you.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[He just laughs a little and smiles.] Of course. Oh, yes, have you been able to use the datapad much yet? You seemed to take quite well to it.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

I have, yes. I use it in the study, when I know the house will be empty. It's simpler to come here, of course, but I'm getting rather used to using it at home as well.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Good, that sort of technology wouldn't be too far ahead if it weren't for the visual component but still, better safe than sorry.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

I'm still trying to figure out a proper place to hide it when I'm not using it.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

You could always use one of those false books. You know, the ones that are hollow inside and tend to be a safe or something.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

...do they really have those?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

Yes! They do, in fact. Lovely things. I have several on the TARDIS. Not that I really use them, actually. I just...well, there's a lot of things on the TARDIS. [Zeppelin hanger, anyone?] But anyway, you keep them on your shelf and they actually do blend in well.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure where I could find one, though.

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[He beams at Arthur before dropping off the Plane. When he returns, he's holding said book-safe and notably even messier than usual. There's string in his hair.]

There! Found it. Apparently under 'h' for 'hidden.' Or at least that's what I'll assume.