θ 1

[bit_impossible]

[suddenly, without ceremony or the preceding sound of a blue police box tearing through and bending the very fabric of space and time, a tall, skinny figure in a pinstripe suit and long, brown coat appears on the Plane, but he is far too engaged in examining the object in his hand to notice where he is, or rather where he is now as opposed to moments ago.]

--o, no, this name is familiar, Harriet. Hold on, give me a mo'. Where have I seen it before...? [he pauses, tapping something in the theatre programme with increasing agitation until he suddenly exclaims:] Ah, I've got it! See, I knew I recognised that name! "Keri Vier"! Give little Keri another seven years and she'll start using the proper surname of her famous ancestor, Laurence--[he glances up just then, noticing that Harriet is definitely no longer with him]--oh.

[his eyes widen slightly as he glances around and removes his glasses, tucking them and the programme away into two separate pockets] Ohhh, I was just wondering if I'd get a chance to see this place again! Funny, that... Too bad that doesn't work when I really want to nip back to the TARDIS for something. [sniffs, then a broad smile spreads across his face as he gazes at all the stars around him] Blimey, would you look at this place?! Brilliant...it's absolutely brilliant! And--[he spins and spots something nearby]--oh, hello, what have we got here?

[heads over to an information kiosk, plucking one of the brochures up from the pile. after a moment of reading, he can't help feeling that there's something familiar to it, but he keeps to that himself] ..."The Astral Plane"? Oh come on, really? That's like saying--[but what it's like he doesn't get to say. his blood runs cold the second his eyes catch sight of another name he hasn't seen in a long time. a very, very long time.]

Comments

[collector]

No Daleks.

[bit_impossible]

[pulls a face] Well, thank goodness for small mercies.

Well, enough about that. Have to leave surprises for me to discover around here!

So... [sniffs, looking Brax up and down briefly] You know, it's difficult to tell when you're from when you refuse to change your appearance.

[collector]

It's part of my mysterious and enigmatic image. And I like this body. It has served me well. As you had no intention of telling me about what was to come, I see no reason to tell you where in history I am from.

[bit_impossible]

[glowers. he was trying to protect him, damnit!]

You know, I'm beginning to wonder why I missed you in the first place.

[collector]

You enjoy irritating me. It makes you feel better about whatever awful excuse for hair you've regenerated into this time.

[bit_impossible]

[sarcastically] Oh yes, hair jokes! I've certainly missed those! Go on, rank this hairstyle amongst the other ones I've had in the past. I'm sure it can't be worse than any of those curls phases.

[collector]

Was I joking? I didn't think I was.

[bit_impossible]

No, but you might as well get it out now. Think of this as your window of opportunity.

[collector]

No, I can't. It isn't inspired. The muse has left me.

[bit_impossible]

Has it? Oh, such a shame. Perhaps I should play some Chopin? Or Wagner? Or do you feel a little baroque? [smiles at his horrible pun]

[collector]

How about the very end of the Surprise Symphony?

[bit_impossible]

I'm actually quite fond of that one, by why would you want the end? I think the beginning is far more fun.

[collector]

Because in your case, the end is what I'd look forward to.

[bit_impossible]

Oh come on Brax, lighten up, will you? [slaps him on the back] It's not going to kill you having another one of me around.

[collector]

[ignoring that gesture, because paying attention can only feed it] So you say, but I am dying under the burden already.

[bit_impossible]

[yes, but ignoring it could only make him want to bug Brax even more!] Funny, you look all right to me.

[collector]

[dry as cardice] I have hidden depths. And at least I've some of your assistants to help bear the burden of you all.

[bit_impossible]

[mutters] Don't we all...?

There are? No wait, don't tell me, I'll discover them for myself. How many are there, though?

[collector]

A handful and then some, particularly if you include the ones you've picked up here. Dorothy Gale and Omega, I ask you.

[bit_impossible]

I--what?! Really? Who would do such a stupid thing as that? Not that this Dorothy person isn't nice or anything--well, I can't really be sure until I meet her, anyway--but Omega? Who would do such a stup--[stops]--no. No I do know who would.

[collector]

Quite. But I'm sure you'll take it all in hand. [And with a smile, Braxiatel claps the Doctor on the back.]

[bit_impossible]

[gives him a look] Oh yes, thanks. That's so very helpful.

[collector]

I do try.

[bit_impossible]

[mumbles] I've noticed.

Well! I'm going to have a look around. Thanks for the brochure and tell everyone I say hello. [smiles and waves] See you, erm, around Brax. [doesn't let it show how weird that is to say again, or he tries anyway, as he walks away]