001 [A Brave New World]

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[There is never really a ‘good’ moment to arrive on the Plane for the first time, but some appearances are more inconvenient than others. The girl who has just appeared is carrying a picnic basket in one hand and a broad-brimmed sun hat – which doesn’t quite fit with the black and white stripes of the rest of her outfit – in the other. She has the air of a person who has been disturbed while packing for a holiday. She doesn’t, however, have the air of someone who is surprised by such a strange occurrence.]

Oh, I should have known that a holiday was too much to hope for!

[She looks around curiously. A little nervously too, perhaps, but at least she isn’t terrified.]

Grandfather? Grandfather, are you there?

Zoe?

[She pauses before calling out the third and final name, as if she is somewhat reluctant to use it.]

Jamie?

Hello?

Comments

[oldoldghost.livejournal.com]

[Faint smile] In my experience holidays are almost always too much to hope for.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[There is still no sign of her grandfather or Zoe, but at least the newcomer looks friendly enough. Appearances can be deceiving, of course, but it's a good start, and that's something.]

I haven't been on holiday for quite a long time. I suppose the picnic is going to go to waste.

[oldoldghost.livejournal.com]

[Brigitta is friendly to anybody who isn't a demon... And Susan doesn't look like a demon] I don't think time passes while you're here if that's anything.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

...Susan?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[Susan would be extremely offended if Brigitta thought she did!]

It ... it doesn't? Where is here?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[Susan is very surprised to hear her name, especially when she can't place the voice (or, a moment later, the face).]

Hello?

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

[the TARDIS is very, very happy to see her most favouritist companion evar]

It is good to see you, child. I have missed you.

[oldoldghost.livejournal.com]

[Luckily Brigitta has a little more tact than her son]

Well, it doesn't seem to for me... It's called the Plane.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[Susan would be delighted to see her, too. If she'd realised who she was actually talking to.]

You have? I'm sorry, I don't think we've met yet. I don't always live my life in a straight line...

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

No, you do not. Nor have I. But I have known you for longer than all save the Doctor. It has been too long since I was able to see you.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

[the Master raises his eyebrows, supressing his surprise as best he can]

Sorry - Susan?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[That isn't particularly helpful, but names are important.]

I don't suppose you've seen a man in a black coat and checked trousers? Or a young girl, about the same age as me? She has dark hair, and is probably wearing something a little ... strange?

[She doesn't bother mentioning the 'man in a kilt'. Jamie would probably be with her grandfather anyway.]

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Oh?

[It takes a moment for things to click into place. Although she knows the TARDIS is more than a ship, seeing her as a humanoid is something else entirely.]

Are you ... oh, but you can't be! Can you? Is it this place? Has it ... changed you?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Yes? H ... hello?

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

[actually laughs] This place has not changed me, no. I have learned to create projections of myself in the years since you last travelled within me. These forms simply allow me ease of conversation with those unable to communicate telepathically.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[She doesn't know what to ask first. Should she find out where she is, or where her grandfather is? Or when the TARDIS has come from?]

The years since I last traveled with you?

[Definitely the latter.

Oh...

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Oh, don't tell me you've already forgotte me, Susan.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[just stares for a minute or two, before finally managing to speak]

Susan?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Is it really..? You look so different!

[She stares at him. And drops her wonderfully stylish sun hat. Then stares some more.]

Oh, no, of course not. I'm just surprised, that's all.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[She becomes aware of his staring before he actually speaks, and watches him a little warily. She nods in confirmation when she hears her name once more.]

I think I might be a little lost...

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[still looking at her in confusion]

You called out for Jamie.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[And now it's Susan's turn to look confused, although she pauses to pull a face at the mention of Jamie's name.]

Well, I'd certainly prefer to see Zoe, but...

Do you know him?

[lamb_of_gold]

Don't worry too much. When you return, your holiday will be waiting.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[grins a little, his voice a little thoughtful] And Zoe, too.

[shakes his head a little, then looks at her again, his voice a little louder again]

Yeah, I suppose I do. Well, did. I did know him. A long time ago. Long time ago.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, I don't think I've ... well, we've ... met you, yet.

[She has no inkling of who he might be, and is still clutching her picnic basket. It isn't much of a weapon, but he doesn't look dangerous. It should be fine.]