realityshifted | (no subject)

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doctor who (d5) tardis

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[have the TARDIS on the Astral Plane, obviously preoccupied and seemingly frustrated]

Why will they not listen? Why will they never, ever listen? I grow weary of their constant arguing. [seems to be holding a conversation with someone else while muttering to herself] No, that is not acceptable. Why can they not understand I won't hurt them? That wretched, useless -- did they just shoot at me?

[long-suffering sigh] I am convinced today is a Saturday. There can be no other explanation.

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[there's an instinct to draw away from the touch; he ignores it]

Not very long. A matter of months. I've...occupied myself.

[voice tightens] In what way?

[brow furrows slightly, but he answers] Thwarting an invasion. A very subtle, long, frustrating invasion.

I do not recall an invasion in our past. What is it you're fighting against? [a pause] And in what way?

[his expression darkens, voice becoming grave] It's not any one race, really - more a union, a coalition of people who want to conquer. Those that can pass for human are infiltrating the government, the law enforcement - it's centred here in London, but it's happening across Time.

So far, all I've been able to do is reverse some of the damage. It's difficult, finding out exactly who their agents are and what they've done.

What is it they aim to conquer? The galaxy? Universe? How absurd a notion is that, to believe it possible? Especially to target an Earth government. Though ... when did Earth have a government centred in London that spanned Time? The human's empire should not begin until Earth is all but ruined, anyhow.

[tries working this out] I assume the damage you speak of is in terms of the time stream? Or have they physically altered regions of the planet? Subjugation of lesser species, perhaps? [taps her chin] Is there any unifying characteristic of these agents that I can hone in on to help?

It shouldn't, but that's where they're starting - they never do tell me why. It's just as well, considering I can't leave. [wryly] I doubt it's a coincidence.

[a slight nod] They try to weaken planets from the inside. To insinuate themselves into positions of absolute power. I reverse their influence as best I can. [and a faint smile] We've tried. In some cases, it helps, in others...

Coincidence, Doctor? I'm not sure I follow.

[chews her lip] Have these agents caused any planets to fully turn? I am still unclear as to what they're turning against, but ... if you are against it, I'm assuming it's something the Time Lords have concocted for you to fix? [tilts her head] What happens in the other cases?

They just happen to start in the city I'm trapped in?

They've several, actually, I was on my way to one when...well, we ended up here instead. It's not supposed to happen; their empire never flourishes, but it is. Apparently I play some instrumental role in stopping it.

[quietly] They alter their very beings. They...destroy themselves before I can find them.

[ducks her head] Ah, yes. Of course.

And you are okay with that? With being a puppet still?

[closes her eyes and nods slowly, pressing her hand to his cheek again] Too much death, Doctor. I am sorry. If I could save you from it, I would. You've no business with Death.

[soft, wry chuckle]

Not in the least, but there's little I can do about it for now. For whatever reason, this world needs me, and I'll continue to aid it.

[he looks down, voice lowering] No. Yet I can't seem to avoid it for very long.

You're too dedicated for your own good. And the Time Lords too quick and eager to use you for their own gain. You aren't a puppet. I would that they could see that.

[softly] You speak as though you've encountered Death often, Doctor. Surely, you've seen your fair share, but to this extent? Even in the most tumultuous of times, you've always been able to quell disputes without much bloodshed, and even that came because of foolishness on the part of those you wished to aid.

I don't think it's the Time Lords this time, really - though if they've something to do with it, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm sure they'd love to trap me on Earth again.

[slowly meets her eyes; his own looks haunted, grim, and his voice is hardly above a whisper] Perhaps I'm luckier, in your world.

I should not. That was such a horrible time, being unable to move, to stretch. It was the worst form of torture. [quietly] Much like this place is growing to be.

[meets his gaze, startled] Doctor... What has happened to you through your years? [moves to touch him and draws back at the last moment, uncertain] What have I let happen that you're so haunted?

[very softly] And I could hardly understand you anymore. I needed Koschei to repair you.

[shakes his head, closing his eye for a moment] None of it was ever your fault.

I can imagine how lonely that must have been. [narrows her eyes] And how upsetting. You trusted him enough to do so, though? You've a stronger will than I.

My fault or no, I could have stopped you. I could have taken you far away from everything. [frowns] You and your future self.

[slight smile] At the time. It all depends on the circumstances.

[again, he shakes his head] You know very well I wouldn't have stood for it.

All circumstances point to me disliking that man, no matter the name he uses. Perhaps moreso that your version pretends at being you.

[petulant] It would not be the first time we've disagreed on something. Even if we both know I'd eventually concede to your wishes.

[raises eyebrows] He pretends at nothing, he is who he is. Mind, he can be profoundly irritating, but that's beside the point.

[faint, grim smile] I'm sure trouble would find me anyway.

And yet that is not what the Master here suggests.

Perhaps. [sighs] Surely. It would not be the same otherwise.

[raises his eyebrows] And what does he suggest?

[seems uncomfortable] He said that in your universe, Koschei is kind, yet foolish, and constantly telling you you interfere too much. He said he disagrees with your methods of 'means to an end.'

[locks her gaze with his] I have half a mind not to believe him, but ... is it true, Doctor? I will believe you over him if you can tell me he was wrong and you aren't as ruthless a killer there as that man is in my universe.

[he stares at her for a moment, lips parted; he looks rather hurt]

I've had to make very difficult choices, but I will never, ever cost lives if there is another way.

[softly] Sometimes I fail. Sometimes I wonder if he isn't right.

[nods and looks away, embarrassed and upset that she might have possibly believed what the Master said] Of course you wouldn't. You've always done the right thing, even if the choice is painful.

Doctor... [takes his hands, but still won't meet his gaze] Don't. He is wrong about so many things. Ignore him. I was a fool to think his words meant anything in the first place.

[a faint, sad smile as he squeezes her hands] No. You should always ask, and I...can't blame you for wondering.

[and the manipulative bastard award goes to]