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

[collector]

[after letting out a breath of laughter, Braxiatel sits]

Very well. Anson comes in from time to time, arrogant and self-assured, and tries to pressure and taunt me into telling him where my time equipment is. Sometimes, I engage him in discussion about his work with the access. Talk to him about the taking of Hulzarr Prime, discuss the tactics used at Ytaxia. Apparently, Marshal Anson devised and lead Hulzarr's taking. The planet fell in under fourteen hours. The tactics were genius, using the Hulzarrian's cultural weaknesses against them. Very psychological. And yet the Marshal doesn't seem all that acquainted with the culture he so effectively attacked.

[This is a point that has bothered him, and it shows in his frown. He waves it off] Sometimes, I get bored with him, so I just loquate on whatever comes to mind. The rise and fall of the Empire State, the significance of Martian astrology, et cetera. And when the Marshal feels quite defeated, he gathers himself up, tries to sound threatening, and then walks off like a wounded animal.

Detailed enough?

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

More or less. [:|]

I can send you what I've got later - if you'd like, I could pay a visit to the Library or something?

[collector]

I appreciate it, but I need it sooner than later. Time isn't on my side.

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

[In that case-] I can pop off the plane then.

[Call it paying back a favour.]

[collector]

Thank you. [He has never sounded more sincere]

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

[Yes, well. In that case, Three drops off the plane for a few minutes, and returns looking somewhat mussed but bearing... whatever makes sense for the storing of this data. Yes.]

[collector]

[Probably a data crystal? Braxiatel takes it, letting out a sigh]

Do you have a reader for it? I'm under surveillance, so it could be quite awkward if I tried to read it at home.

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Hold on a moment.

[Ahah, and here comes the poking around in her pockets until she finds something. Enjoy.]

[collector]

Thank you. [he takes it, but doesn't look at it, just setting it on the table by the dinner] How have you been? No care packages for a bit, I'm afraid. But perhaps I'll be able to get back to that soon. Found yourself your companions yet?

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm all right. No companions yet - my TARDIS seems to have other plans.

[collector]

Still redecorating her?

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Working out a few bugs.

[collector]

[double eyebrow lift] Procrastinating?

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Working out a few bugs.

[:|]

[collector]

[nodding to himself in agreement with what he just said] Procrastinating.

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Yes, of course. There's nothing else I could be doing.

[collector]

That reminds me. How is Earth? I was under the impression that Earth was invaded an incredible number of times during your third incarnation, but you're clearly not as grounded as he was. Though I suppose without the Master to dodge your steps, that cuts it down by half.

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Earth is fine. [At least, the last she left it.]

[collector]

Good. [He smiles, lets out a breath a moment longer than some others, focuses his eyes on her. He's tired and restless, but most importantly, he's trying to seal it up by narrowing all of his alertness on the Doctor] So Earth is safe, you're being contrary, and you're not going to die of any very embarrassing syndromes soon. Not a bad regeneration, Thete.

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

[Dryly:] I'm glad you approve.

And what have you been doing lately that brought the Fifth Axis to your attention?

[collector]

I haven't been doing anything. Just trying to live peacefully among forty percent of the wonders of the known universe.

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Mm-hmm.

[Yep. She definitely believes you.]

[collector]

[dry] The thing about expansionist space fascists is that you don't need to do anything to provoke them. They just decide they want what you have.

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Very inconvenient of them.

[collector]

'Inconvenient' is the most apt word for them. They've commandeered all of the Ormand-Seltec flyers. It's their greatest accomplishment here so far: making public transport less efficient.