005 [The Pity of War]

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[The First World War is not one of Susan's favourite time periods. She's still young, for a Time Lord, but she has seen enough wars to last her a lifetime. Although she didn't stay on Earth after the Dalek Invasion, and although she didn't assist David in the rebuilding, she will never forget what she saw there. The devastation.

In a strange - strange and terrible - way, this is even worse.]

The war to end all wars, that's what grandfather called it.

[She is currently sitting in a crude cell, part of which has come to the Plane with her, waiting for their trial to begin. The Doctor is confident that he can smooth over any misunderstandings - and convince the soldiers that he and his companions certainly aren't German spies - so she isn't unduly worried, but she can't wait to return to the TARDIS and leave this acursed place.]

How can humans do something like this? To each other? It's ... [She struggles to find a word to truly convey her feelings.] ... barbaric!

[She's always been fond of the human race. Even after seeing their occasional cruelty and frequent selfishness. This is the first time she's really wondered why. Why are they worth liking?]

I do hope General Smythe will arrive soon. I don't think I can bear to stay here for much longer.

[Little did she know that the adventure - if it could be called that - was beginning rather than ending. Little did she knew that it would change her life, and the Doctor's, forever.]

OOC: 'The War Games', and Susan's canon update, begins.

Comments

[oldoldghost.livejournal.com]

[Brigitta is looking a little worried] ...What war is this?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

I think they call it the first world war. On Earth, that is.

[oldoldghost.livejournal.com]

[Frown] ...Oh, that one; Kirilli told me about that.

[She doesn't quite know what to say beyond that- While on principle she supports most wars the two world wars shock even her; she never dreamed that fighting could be that widely spread]

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

I'd read about it, but that's very different to seeing it.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Which War to End All Wars? I only ask because I've seen a few.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Earth's first world war. [Although it doesn't really cover the whole world, for which Susan is extremely grateful.]

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Early 1900s? [because there was that other war that was the first world war in HIS opinion, but no one listens to him]

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Yes. 1917, I think. At least, that's what the Lieutenant told us.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[his voice is grim but tender as he studies her with concern] They do tend to be. Barbaric, I mean.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Have you ... have you seen a lot of them?

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[whispers] More than seen, Susan.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. I ... I don't know how to you can bear it.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[Speaking of a war to end all wars...have a Nine staring at you] ....Susan?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[She looks up at the sound of her name.] Hello?

Have we ..? [She looks at him more closely.] Oh! Hello.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[grins and waves] Hello! Haven't met this me before, have you?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

No, I haven't. [She slides off her seat and moves towards him.] Which incarnation are you? I know you can't be your tenth, or your first or second.

[damn-time-ring.livejournal.com]

[he stays well out of that section of cell, regarding it as something unworthy of his boots to touch--but he can't help recognising her as a fellow Time Lord, so he remains where he is instead of wandering away.] Did you really expect any more from a primitive species such as humans?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

They're not primitive. [Her response is immediate and close to automatic, but she's worried to see a Time Lord that isn't an incarnation of the Doctor or the Master - the Plane is supposed to be a safe place! - and that takes priority.] They're just different.

[damn-time-ring.livejournal.com]

Technically speaking, they are. The species is millions of years behind ours in technological development.

[cosmic-engineer.livejournal.com]

[Hm, another Time Lord, and one that seems somewhat familiar. Omega observes her with some interest.] Almost every species has war. Humans are particularly adept at it.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

[And Susan will be watching you in return, more than a little wary.]

Oh, I know. I still don't think I'll get used to it.

[cosmic-engineer.livejournal.com]

You shouldn't, Susan Foreman.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[concerned]

Susan? Are you all right?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm fine. It's just ... Earth can be a terrible place to visit at times.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

Sometimes, yeah.

[the name General Smythe rings a vague bell, but he can't place it]

Where are you at the moment?