♪ 02

[dododo]

[ Since there was no answer from the man who shouted when the stars went out, the Doctor's taken to wandering, holding firmly onto his small torch as he lights his way. One, to find Jamie or Victoria or... anyone he knows, and two, to try and figure this out because he'll be damned if he relies on someone who hides in the darkness to fix this for them.

He goes for the information kiosk first, but there's nothing to find there. Power outage, is the conclusion. ]

Do stars go out from power outages?

[ After that, he can be found anywhere on the Plane. There's light if you need it, even if it's not all that strong. He could be able to help in keeping alive.

Not necessarily with the light. More likely running. ]

Comments

[dododo]

[ Excuse you, that light is shining right in his eyes for a second, and Two makes a disapproving sound as he shields his eyes. This would be far more bewildering if he hadn't already heard that there's another of him here, and he connects the dots quickly enough, the way this man. Talks. Blabbers on.

Does it ever end?

Scowling, he raises his own torch to return the favour and have a better look at this. Future self. Because it's got to be, doesn't it? Tall, skinny, a suit... And what is that hair? Like a hedgehog. Or porcupine, more like. ]

I do have a screwdriver, but it's hardly any use as far as torches go.

[ He huffs. ]

Ben and Polly were quite some time ago, as was Victoria. It's just Jamie now.

[ You know. Being the Time Lords' little helpers, remember that? ]

[bit_impossible]

[He's still all smiles, just as amused as his younger self is flustered.]

Oh, I know. I remember that screwdriver. Well, I remember a screwdriver, but then I had a shelf to put up and well... You'll understand one day.

And just Jamie? [Up goes an eyebrow in question, then slowly runs a hand through his hair.] Is it that time for you already?

[dododo]

It's sonic too, thank you, just not a torch. Is your memory really all right?

[ And, yes, it is that time for him already. Not to mention he skipped ahead a bunch because Jamie was here. However that worked.

He's actually a little put out about that. ]

[bit_impossible]

Ohhh yes, it is, thanks. The ol' noggin's in brilliant shape as always! But, well, I can't give away too much, though, you know? [He sniffs then starts walking around his younger self.]

So, what do you think's going on here, hmm?

[dododo]

[ He follows Ten with his gaze as far back as possible, looking none too pleased. ]

Power failure.

[bit_impossible]

[He nods.] Yeeep, I agree. Never seen it before myself--well, not here anyway. I've seen loads of power outages elsewhere. The Machine likes to do this every now and then, usually around the month of October... {He mutters more to himself now, brow furrowing.] No matter when or where I travel, it always seems to know...

[He pulls a face, realising he's just talking to himself now, and picks up his normal tone of voice.] Or so it's seemed to me.

[dododo]

October? Really?

[ What.

That's lame. ]

[bit_impossible]

[He starts to scratch the back of his neck.] Well, this time, it was nearly November. So where are you now? You mentioned being with Jamie, but where?

[Mind, he could always ask this while they're not investigating a power outage on the Plane, but what a better time for small talk?]

[dododo]

[ And there's also technically Victoria but had he mentioned that Ten could have confused the times. ]

Waiting for the next work.

[ From the Time Lords. Don't make me make up an adventure here rude. ]

[bit_impossible]

[He nods, pausing to stoop over and use his sonic screwdriver over a patch of flooring.]

Yuuup, isn't that the way it always works? Gotta keep you on call, then it's all rush, rush, rush, fix things for us, Doctor! Oh no, we've almost obliterated a galaxy again, stop it for us, Doctor! If I were you--and I was--I'd get out of there as soon as possible.

[If he sounds a little tetchy about it, it's because he is. He misses his people desperately, but he doesn't miss what they had him do, etc.]

[dododo]

If it was that easy, I would.

[ Oh, he probably shouldn't ask but... He has to know. ]

You're my future. Do I get free of them?

[bit_impossible]

[The Doctor eyes his younger self for a moment before answering, his expression somewhat unreadable. That is one hell of a loaded question, especially considering everything that will happen in his self's future, both near and distant.

But a small smile graces his face after the moment has passed.] Ohh yes. And ohhh, you will have the time of your lives.

[dododo]

[ Okay. That was weird.

He opts to ignore it in favour if lighting up and clapping his hands together. ]

Good! Looking forward to it.

[bit_impossible]

But! [He puts a hand on his younger self's shoulder.] We've got to get out of here first. So! I suggest splitting up. Look out for Jamie, Victoria, Patricia, and Oliver--[The Doctor doesn't yet realise that Oliver no longer can come to the Plane.]--and I'll do the same.

[dododo]

Yes! That sounds like a good idea. Anywhere we should meet up again?

[bit_impossible]

Well, chances one of them will be in the library, so let's meet there. Stay safe until then. Things have a way of going pear-shaped here. [He pats his younger self's arm, then starts to move off.]

[dododo]

Is that supposed to be new?

[ Things turning pear-shaped. ]

[bit_impossible]

[He lets out a laugh, and looks back over his shoulder. A mischievous twinkle is in his eye.]

It never is.

[dododo]

[ He turns away with a chuckle, hands clasped together, torch in between his palms. ]

Right! Time to sort out this mystery.