In diesen heil'gen Hallen

[collector]

[Braxiatel appears, immaculate as ever, with a table of food – a fish dinner (Hulzarrian carp, for those in the know) of multiple courses, complete with Angel Delight for dessert. His expression is vacant for a moment, lingering on the main course, but then he remembers himself and puts lids over the dishes.]

[When Braxiatel speaks, he speaks with the clear calmness of ringing bells or water still enough to reflect the sky.]

I have a... general inquiry to make to anyone with a knowledge of history. History of the Gamatra sector, very early 27th century. Specifically, I'd like information on the history of the Fifth Axis expansion through the Vega System... and on its occupation of the planetoid designated KS-159, formerly Cappa Nine Seven under the Earth Empire, originally Delfus-Orestes.

[Through a supreme effort of will, he does not let his voice waver as he says the last words. He even conjures up a smile now, the sort of smile that is laughing at someone else's cosmic joke.]

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[glances at the carp for a moment, before crossing his arms] I've got the feeling you're not really asking for a history lesson.

[collector]

[his ironic smile broadens; one hand presses down on the table] No. Why would I? I know the history of this sector. I know that KS-159 was never invaded. I know that the Fifth Axis never even made it as far as Ytaxia.

[And now his fingers grip the table, hard, and his voice drops to conceal the madness that was rising in it] So how have they taken over my Collection?

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[he frowns, and places a gentle hand on Brax's shoulder] Maybe the question you ought to be focusing on is how you can get it back.

[collector]

[Braxiatel draws away from the touch, recovering himself] I have some ideas. But I thought that there might be a chance that someone here might know who was responsible. And it occurred to me that I should ask in the simple way before I try more complicated methods.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[darkly] I know who's responsible. Didn't find out until after the fact, but maybe I can help you now. [pauses] Hope you're not planning on eating that carp.

[collector]

[Braxiatel's full attention sets on the Doctor. He is quiet] I might not have to. Depending on who changed history.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[he's avoiding Brax's gaze, and attempting to say this calmly. His skills at this, however, are nowhere as good as Brax's] Daleks. The Daleks are behind it, and I can't...we haven't merged yet. Least I don't think so. But if we had...

[collector]

[Braxiatel is silent--

And then he lets out a breath of relief] The Daleks. Those stupid tinpots. Of course. The Fifth Axis are practically human Daleks. I'd thought it might be them, but I could never be sure, and the other, most likely possibility---[he smiles, talking to himself more than the Doctor now, so very relieved to know who has done it and that he can finally act against them] Now I only need to find their point of contact with the Axis to stop this from ever having happened. I can stop them from taking all those planets, I can correct history. No one has to suffer. No one has to remember.

[No one except Braxiatel. Releasing another long breath, he sits] Thank you, Doctor. That's all I really need. No dinner for Marshal Anson, I'm afraid. But then, he soon won't know that I ever made the offer. He might know know anything at all.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[quietly] Be careful, Brax. If you need any more help, you know where to find me.

[collector]

[Braxiatel gives a deceptively light smile] I haven't killed a Dalek in a very long time. Any interesting ways to you'd like me to try out for you? I have this terribly disappointing feeling that I'll end up going with a clean explosion to take them out.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[the Doctor's smile is blatantly, maniacally dangerous] Hang on a mo', I'll write you up a list! Actually, there's this gun I've got... [he drops off the Plane, then returns with this badass gun (http://i41.tinypic.com/4hfqll.jpg) that is not overcompensating for anything at all, really] One of these ought to be useful.

[collector]

[apparently accepting the crazy smile]

Oh, that would be fun. May I?

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[nods] 'Course! I've got a few extra. [don't ask where he got them. Or how, for that matter. He hands Brax the gun, though]

[collector]

[he takes the gun, measuring the weight of it] Usually I leave the shooting to other people. Sadly, I'm out of Ice Warriors. The Axis have already deported all the ones we had living on the Collection. [looks down at his gun] I assume they've all been burned to death on the Axis homeworlds by now.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[sympathetically] Seems likely. Don't usually do much shooting myself, but I'll make an exception for Daleks.

[collector]

I can see the general scheme now. They want my time equipment. But the tactics for the invasion of Hulzarr Prime and the rest... they were too clever for Daleks. Too personal and psychological. And I hate it when I can't see how something fits. It means I'm missing something, and missing things is how I got here in the first place.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Maybe you ought to fight back the same way. Something they'll miss completely 'til it blows up in their faces. [he means the blowing up bit literally, here, as well as figuratively!]

[collector]

[mildly] I was thinking of sending them to their deaths in a black hole.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Black holes are sort of difficult to miss completely.

[collector]

Fortunately, I'm exceptionally intelligent and Daleks tend not to be.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[laughs] Can't argue with that one! You think a perception filter would work?

[collector]

No, if they notice any movement from me, they'll be on the lookout for our technology. I could adapt something from late 52nd century Martian stealth-technology to emit all the standards of normal space...

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[smug] I've got a 51st century companion now -- I think we might be able to help you out a fair bit.

[collector]

[There's something a bit different from the usual bantering rejection in his reply, though his smile is one of good humour.] I can handle it on my own, thank you.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[he is still disappointed, but he merely shrugs] Suit yourself. [a pause] 'Course, I couldn't imagine a self of yours that doesn't enjoy suits...