realityshifted | 01. And now for something completely different

[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.

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That depends entirely on how those supposed traits are being used, doesn't it? He's nosy, disruptive, self-righteous and terribly egotistical. He's also a horrible dresser and in desperate need of a haircut. [sniffs] He hardly compares to my husband.

I have to concede on that point; one can be full of charm, wit, intelligence and experience, and use those very traits for nefarious purposes. However, the Doctor is far from being nosy, disruptive, self-righteous, and egotistical. He's simply curious, eager to intervene when necessary, and acutely aware of how he can use his supreme intelligence for benevolent purposes.

[Not talking about himself at all!]

And who, might I ask, is your husband?

Not all consider curiosity a positive trait. He'd do best to stay out of the affairs of his betters.

[and she smiles]

Harold Saxon, of course, though most here call him the Master. I understand he's called that universally, in fact, or so he tells me.

[Ah, well, that stops his continuation of the little game]

The Master is your...husband? No one would willingly marry the Master, you must be under his control...

[Quietly]

He must be the one from my future...

[and that earns him a dirty look] And why, exactly, wouldn't someone? He's charming, intelligent, powerful. He's a great man and capable of giving those things I desire. [laughs derisively] The Doctor thought to 'save' me from him, but it's difficult to save someone who isn't in need of help, wouldn't you agree?

Why wouldn't someone? Perhaps because in addition to those qualities, he is also a megalomaniacal sociopath. And I've known him long enough to say that with certainty.

[sighs quietly]

It is difficult, but you are in need of help, so I can't agree on that point. Would you tell me your name?

Oh, I know he is. That's the best part. [wistfully] There's very little quite so beautiful as watching him subjugate those beneath him. And he's so terribly accommodating, as well, always making time for me to help. I do so love hearing them scream, after all.

[she's ignoring your insistence, there] Lucy. My name is Lucy. And if you've known him so long, I can only assume you're yet another Doctor I'll have to listen to prattle on about the right and wrong of the universe.

[More sighing] Evidently you know my name already. I'm the Doctor, yes.

[pause] I could, and certainly would, prattle on, but that truly would be a waste of my breath, now, wouldn't it? You've heard it all before, in different ways and at different times. But the Master can't possibly treat you well. Despite how highly you regard his homicidal and domineering tendencies, why would you remain with someone who sees you as nothing more than a toy to be manipulated?

It wasn't difficult, the way you went on about yourself. I see that doesn't change, regardless of your face.

[her expression is dark and smug at first, though it falls, replaced by a hard anger] Harry doesn't think me a toy. I'm not like the rest of the drivel you seem to care for. Have you any idea how tiresome it is, repeating this to every one of you? Can none of you believe it possible that one of your precious pet race might find what your best enemy offers better than anything you could give?

[A bit sadly] I can most certainly believe it possible that a human being might embrace such immoral behavior, I just always wish for it to be otherwise.

And that is what you enjoy most, the power, the pain you can inflict upon others?

A pity, then, that it isn't.

[and she's back to smiling] Mmm, it's quite charming, really, to have someone look at you, to fear and respect you. Better still to watch the life bleed out of them as they beg for it back.

[Obviously very disturbed, but smiles back nonetheless]

Have you always felt this way, or did the Master awaken this...enthusiasm in you?

He gave me the opportunity to act on it. [tucks a strand of hair behind her ear] He saw that we were alike and gave me leave to do as I pleased.

[Considering] Oftentimes, it's but one moment, or one seemingly simple, random act, which can shift light and dark. You've embraced the darkness, and I may, at times, be mere steps away from it myself. So many choices, so many variables...

[Why yes, he is rambling and prattling on, do pardon him...]

[she just watches him curiously] You aren't like the other one, are you? You actually understand, don't you?

[He starts, growing quiet for a moment]

I'm far more than just another Time Lord.

[His mind flashes to the moment when he pushed a sword against a human throat, only a whisper away from a rapid pulse, close enough to silence it forever, were harm to be done to his friend]

I've understood it all too well, at certain moments in my past.

[Why is he admitting this to her? Perhaps it's this place, perhaps the fact that he hardly knows her allows him some pitiful form of confession. He has nothing to be absolved for yet, but he's come close enough that it terrifies him]

And far from yourself, then? I know you change, but that's just silly.

[though she watches him, curious, her mind working diligently]

Is that so? And here he was, acting so superior to me.

[and he tells her because Lucy's a whore and gets whatever she wants, including information, bwahaaha]

Not particularly silly. Each regeneration is different from the other, and this one even moreso, in quite a lot of ways.

[More, perhaps, than he's even fully realized yet]

I can't say much about a future incarnation, though I'm told I have the tendency to often act superior. But things I've done while I'm in this regeneration would not feel so raw and real to a future me, far removed from the recency of those events, and choices.

A pity I've been stuck with your future self, then. I rather think you'd be far less trying than that floppy-haired oaf.

[do you see how she lies? she's very good at it! and trying very hard to distance herself from MJ!Ten]

And what sorts of things have you done, my dear Doctor? Surely they can't be any worse than me marrying my husband.

01. And now for something completely different

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