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]

[the Master lets out a sigh]

At this point, I think I've become entirely incapable of keeping up with all of you.

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

Peculiar is one word for it.

[Ace is so very very glad to see her Professor, and at least a little of her pleasure is obvious to anyone watching. She's also bloody annoyed at him too, though, and that's much more visible. Typical Ace bluster ensues.]

It's about bloody time you showed up.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor might have sighed in return, if this had been a different point in time, but for the moment, all he can do is scowl.]

Evidently I'm equally incapable of keeping away from you for any length of time.

[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?

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

[oh glee, the TARDIS has another Doctor to molest bother!] Doctor. You are here as well, then?

[shatteredqueen.livejournal.com]

[because she's never one to disappoint her Master, even through meta, have a Lucy! who is giving you a rather withering appraisal because really, Doctor, what are you wearing?]

Peculiar, indeed.

[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]

[It's Ace! The very person he was intent on seeing. He can't tell that she's annoyed because he's too distracted by thoughts of consuming a chocolate malt.]

Ah, Ace! It shouldn't surprise me to see you here. Well, it is good to see you, I must say. It's been...oh, a few weeks since we saw each other last, hasn't it? Give or take a month.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[Oh, no, we can't have his TARDIS molesting bothering him! Pssh! He is more than happy to be bothered. Or the other thing, possibly.]

Well, of course. If a place like this exists at all, I believe I'm obliged to be here. As are you. And here you are, just as you ought to be.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[He does nothing but smile back, because there's nothing wrong with his choice in clothing. But he does notice her look, and given that, he has to question.]

Are you referring to this place, or to me?

[swanseer.livejournal.com]

[Juni looks rather pleased with herself, because she remembers that band!] You've heard of the Beatles?

[aces-are-rare.livejournal.com]

[He would be more distracted by the malts then the sudden arrival on an astral plane, wouldn't he? Should have specified that anyone but a clueless Time Lord would recognize her annoyance. To make things a little clear lets have some crossed arms and a 'Gordon Bennett you are a clueless git' expression.]

Give or take a month? Try give or take six month, Professor. Six months on that bloody planet without a break.

[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.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

My place is wherever my Doctor is. That there are so many here only cements this truth.

[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.

[shatteredqueen.livejournal.com]

[oh goody, a game. and she smirks]

Which would you prefer?

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

I've heard of them, I listen to them frequently, I've seen them perform live, and I've even met one or two of them. Well, technically I just happened to pass by George Harrison on a beach in Australia once, but I was remarkably closer to him than most people get.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[His slight smirk starts to fade, because he does recognize the 'Gordon Bennett you are a clueless git' expression by now]

Has it really been that long? Six months isn't much time by my standards, but that would seem to be a rather long absence for you, wouldn't it? I must have lost track of...Time. It does happen occasionally that I misplace Time, and forget Time, and disregard Time, though I never lose it completely. It's my business, as you know quite well by now.

[It's possible he's rambling more than usual to hopefully distract her out of her apparently irritable mood. He's dubious that it will work]

I was on my way to see you, but I had to make a quick detour.

[It would've been a quick detour if he hadn't spent two hours chatting with John]

[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?

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

How many of me are here, exactly?

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

Either would be acceptable, I suppose. If you are referring to this place, you're simply affirming my own initial opinion. If you're referring to me, I would ask why you find me peculiar. I certainly don't regard myself as such.

[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.

[ofalzarius.livejournal.com]

What is? The Plane?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

Peculiar isn't quite the word I'd use myself. It's a bit mild if you're using it in conjunction with the Plane.