realityshifted | (no subject)

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*the machine

(no subject)

[You may not remember this woman since it has been a very long time since she visited the Plane. She is as ghostly and messy as ever but unlike last time, she's laughing. It sounds distant and muffled, as though she were laughing underwater.

The screens are around her again and she smiles as she shuts them off.] I told you. I told all of you. This is what happens when you play God. Good luck. [A pause.] Not really.

[Then she grins and with a last laugh, fades right into the Plane itself.]

((ooc: She will not be answering to anyone.))

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[pinching the bridge of his nose] I don't know why I'm bothering, but I must in fairness point out that not every species dabbles in temporal research. There are entire societies that go their entire histories without ever one trying to reorient their passage through time. And as to those who do, I agree, it's often dangerous and irresponsible. But it's also how our own kind started our path to temporal supremacy.

Our kind started with a biological affinity for time, and we had rules and laws in place before the first ship ever entered the Vortex. I don't see such caution or pragmatism from the other temporal powers -- they act more like rebellious children.

I'm lead to believe that the Monan Host world has a physical affinity for time. As to rebellion, well. That does tend to be the response to control that borders on the dictatorial. Should I bring up your civil war now, or should we just leave that an implication?

And anarchy would, of course, work so much better.

I can't seem to remember saying that. But perhaps I don't know my own political positions as well as you do.

Then enlighten me, Braxiatel. What is your solution for dealing with the other temporal powers? Powers which, I may add, are already resentful of our position in the universe? Powers that would like nothing more than to see Gallifrey fall?

You don't fix it with a soundbite solution, Narvin. But if one wishes to take your solution to it, one must be brilliant, ruthless, and competent enough to effectively and invisibly accomplish one's ends. So far, I haven't seen anyone manage that, so forgive me if I prefer diplomacy.

Diplomacy won't work forever.

Nothing works forever.

But some solutions last longer than others. I somewhat doubt that, with three war fleets already in orbit, diplomacy is going to be effective after this civil war.

Not with the level of talent in the diplomats you have left, no. If the Imperiatrix does not win this war, I wouldn't bet on Gallifrey's chances to long outlast it.

Let her win and Gallifrey survives, or defeat her and live long enough to see it fall.

Is it really surviving with—a creature like that in control?

[Narvin sighs and finishes off his glass, before pouring another.]

Not particularly, no.

[Braxiatel swirls his drink until it's Charybdis in a wine glass. He stops it, and throws the whole thing down.] Then you must win our war, Narvin. And keep hope for the future.

Then I had better be going.

[He stands reluctantly.]

Cardinal.

[with one of his most distant smiles] I knew that's what it would be today.

[Brax stands as well, out of politeness. He links his fingers together behind his back.] May Time be good to you, Coordinator, and you to it.

[If you look at it sideways, through a gnarled web of history and betrayal, that traditional well-wishing might look a bit like an apology. It isn't wishing death by dictator or basilisk, anyway.]

[Narvin gives him a nod and a thin smile. He understands.]

And to you.

[And then he drops from the Plane~]

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