01. And now for something completely different

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor is smiling happily and humming a Beatles song to himself.] Ah, The Beatles. Earth has produced quite the preeminent collection of musicians, though few compare to The Beatles. Oh, but I can't forget Miles Davis and John Coltrane, now, can I? Different favorites for different genres. I couldn't very well compare a rock 'n' roll band to jazz luminaries, it's hardly an even playing field. So to speak.

[Glancing at the food and drink he's precariously balancing in his hands, the Doctor ponders what he's currently holding.] I don't have the affinity for bacon sandwiches that Ace does, but chips are rather nice on occasion, and I must say, I do enjoy these chocolate malts. Far more delicious than carrot juice.

[At last, he realizes he's not on a street, or anywhere near Harry's Café, the place he only just left. It's hard to determine when exactly the scenery changed, but this is most certainly not where he's supposed to be. It's different, and he supposes it should be disconcerting, but with no sign of an immediate threat, he allows himself a moment to appreciate the view.] Well, this is peculiar.

Comments

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

I keep telling you, I am irresistible.

We could make tea again, Doctor. We've all the time we want here. And no Blinovitch Limitation effect making the whole thing go kaboom. The welcome committee should be along soon enough - and Miss McShane, two of yourselves contemporary to me, a half human self, one rendition of your Byronic turn, a man who ought wear beige but in fact wears black, and a bald one with big ears and a leather jacket.

And the Brigadier. And the Lady President, and Adric, and my wife, and dear Mister Turlough, and--[he smiles]--your granddaughter.

But I think that's the end of it for people you know, along your timeline. There are a number of your future companions, but that's hardly relevant at present. My dear Doctor, shall we have tea?

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[There is a twitch in his cheek, but his face doesn't fall from its scowl.]

If they're all here, would I really want to have a discourse with you over tea again when I could engage myself with more...civilized company?

[He may be asking himself that question, actually. Trying to convince himself of something, perhaps.]

Is it tea you really want?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

As I said, Doctor: I cannot be resisted.

[the dark smile turns lighter as he waves a hand]

I've taken to White Ballistics lately. Can't resist them, in fact. Not that I actually let the alcohol do anything to my cognitive functions. Wouldn't want to be sloshed whilst slaughtering Skaro's own, now would I?

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[He would argue that point, but he's not really sure he can. At least, not with an abundance of respectability, or evidence to the contrary. So he avoids that point altogether--see him avoiding!]

No, of course not. Brutality and barbarism require all of your sensibilities. But, you're so accustomed to committing acts of violence, I would think a small loss of cognitive function could hardly do you much harm.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

I prefer my art to be one of control and precision. And the bar is this way, if you want something to drink.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

Are they categorizing torture, murder, chaos and mayhem as art now? I hadn't realized.

[He thinks of turning away, but his curiosity, as always, gets the better of him]

I haven't had ginger beer in quite some time. Perhaps you would explain how it is that others of me, and various companions, came to be here as well? And Susan, you've seen her personally, then?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Anything is art if you have the mind for it. Except, perhaps, heroism.

[the Master starts walking to the bar, presuming that the Doctor will follow]

Of course I've seen Susan; I'd never neglect or abandon her. She's from a reality unlikely to match up with your own. Quite a few of those around here - quite a few of the roads never taken. Or rather, taken, but not in one's own particular path through the web of things. My impression is that the place is a neutral ground, that all times and all places, all universes and realities are equal here. There is a young woman who maintains that her world knows magic, and two vampires unlike anything that old hermit ever terrorised you with. All very interesting.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[It's a reasonable assumption, evidently, since the Doctor does indeed follow. The remark about Susan causes a sharp twinge in his hearts, and he wonders how much more painful it would be to actually see her in person]

Yes, you never did see any dignity or nobility in heroism. We went our separate ways on that idea long ago.

No doubt it's all kept you enthralled. And yet with so much and so many to see, you remain ever fixated on me, don't you?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

[he turns as he walks so he can walk backwards, facing the Doctor with a smile]

You know, Doctor, I'm beginning to suspect that every last one of you is obsessed with getting a love confession out of me. I worry for your self-esteem.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor smirks darkly]

Your actions speak far louder than your words, Master. You needn't confess anything, you've shown it time and time again. It's your obsession with me that says everything.

[calmly] Now, what will you have to drink? Your usual?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Actions speak louder than words? Oh Doctor, I really must worry.

And if you're serving, no, how about a... mm, a Dark Nebula Fizz. If you think you can make them?

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

It's true for most people, although I'm not sure that applies to me. I'm far more erudite than humans, for example, so my words and actions in conjunction seem to have far more potency than those of others. I can't always say the same for you.

[He sets what he's been carrying down. It likely won't matter, it's cold by now anyway, and he's obviously not going to get out of here anytime soon]

Of course. And will you pontificate while I make drinks?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Only if I feel certain that you want to hear my voice and won't interrupt my eulogising.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[...dubious]

And you're hoping I will announce aloud that I want to hear your voice?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

I was hoping more for something on the subject of eulogistic interruptions. Drinks, Doctor! Don't get distracted.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

I believe those are a guarantee. [So he smirks. He can't help it. He really shouldn't, because this version of the Master seems even more intent on tormenting him, but well. He smirks]

And what will be the topic of your eulogizing today, or can I expect a wide range of disconnected subjects?

[As instructed, he makes drinks. Extra 'fizz' for the Master]

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

If eulogies are for the dead, I suppose I could talk about our friendship.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[That would hurt regardless, but the fact that it's true makes it sting far more, the words sinking in the chambers of his hearts]

You could.

[You should. You shouldn't]

It's certainly a lengthy, involved topic. Even dead, as you say it is, we haven't yet reached a moratorium on discussion of it.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Oh, I know. When you get older, you'll talk about it all the time. "We were friends once! Why must we fight now? What happened to my friend?"

It's sickening. At least I only had to endure it briefly with you.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

Yes, at least you were spared that. I would hate to lament ad nauseam about a topic you so clearly disdain, and regard as non-existent.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

If you go on like that, Doctor, you will sour the drink you are making.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

Well, that won't do. [Sighs quietly, quickly finishes the task at hand and pushes the drink towards the Master]

I wonder if the combination of fresh lime and ginger beer would clash, or be an unexpected delight.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

[takes the drink] If this is spiked with ginger beer, I must note that dubious consent isn't consent at all.

[and he throws back far too much of the drink in one large gulp]

Not bad, for you.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor takes his own sip, clearly satisfied with the taste]

Much improved since our Academy days, I do believe.

[Another sip]

Far more jarring going down than tea. But one doesn't drink this sort of thing to relax.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

No, not at all. The fizz keeps you on your toes, doesn't it?