realityshifted

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[017]

[Menzies appears in the middle of the Plane clearly arriving straight from work. she's in a suit, as well as wearing an ID card hanging from her neck and a belt of police gear around her waist. however, her hair is disheveled and she looks very concerned about something. ignoring her surroundings, she pulls her right arm against her, twisting the fabric of her shirt so see can see the underside of it. she frowns down at a small round scortch mark on her shirt for a moment before she presses against it, still frowning, but showing no sign of pain as she prods at the area]

[after a moment, she lets her arm go and now stares down at her own hands in confusion--as though she expects to find some sort of answer there. she considers silently for a bit, chewing her lip. but eventually she sighs before mumbling to herself:] I wish I had a knife...

[ooc: Menzies' wish has had the accidental side effect of making her invulnerable for a month! Just a warning that if you give her something sharp, she's going to do a little (ultimately harmless) test with it.]

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[Menzies, who is already in the car by now, smirks at him] Oh, I wouldn't dream of it! [she starts the vehicle] Don't forget your seat belt. [and she very purposefully pulls her belt across her, clicking it into the slot. she waits for him to--hopefully--imitate the action. she'll pull out when he's ready]

[He follows her lead, but grumbles as he does so.]

That occupants require strapping in, like in a whirl-go-round, does nothing to assure me of the safety of these contraptions. [TARDISes don't come with seatbelts.]

[if she knew that he was thinking about TARDISes and seatbelts, she would point out that, from her experience, that's something the Doctor's TARDIS could really use. but as it is, she's just sarcastic at him] So glad you're acclimatising so quickly!

[she pulls out of the carpark and soon joins the traffic of the main road. she has a feeling Narvin isn't going to react well to this part, so she at least has the foresight to attempt to distract him. the easiest way she can think of to do that is to explain what she has in mind, so she says:]

I 'aven't got a species name for Fleming, but he's got direct access to some otherworldly market for alien goods. The locals use 'im to get their 'ands on 'ome comforts, mostly. UNIT keeps an eye out to make sure no weapons are going around, but communication devices should be innocuous enough. Just tell 'im what you need. He might try to barter for it, but I'll, ah, remind 'im that he owes me.

[He grips the edges of the seat with white-knuckled hands. He doesn't trust this alien machine. From the few ancient Earth vidcasts he's seen, these things have a terrible tendency to flip over and explode. And he half expects one of the humans to start shooting a gun out of the window of one any nanospan now. The the historical vidcasts made it appear as if the humans used them almost as urban war chariots.

But he pays close attention to Menzies' words and tries to keep his voice smooth and unconcerned, despite being in fear for his life in agreeing to travel in this primitive metal box.]

And if he should conveniently "forget" that he owes you a favour, I shall point out to him that it really would be in his best interests to comply. Whether he helps me contact Gallifrey or someone else does, when I am back in touch with the CIA I'll have an entire agency of security personnel at my command, and I'll remember who assisted and who didn't.

[He's going into negotiations as he approaches every encounter with an unknown alien. Assume they're an enemy until proven otherwise. He's decided that Menzies probably isn't an enemy, but Fleming is an unknown factor.]

[it's probably for the best that Menzies doesn't know he's expecting their drive to turn into an action film--although she'd certainly get some amusement out of the idea. but nothing untoward happens at all as they continue down the street]

[she raises an eyebrow, scoffing at Narvin] Before you start an interdimensional crisis, you might want to keep in mind that, even if you do get in contact with Gallifrey, it might not be the one you're from. Not to mention I can 'andle Fleming myself, thanks. [she rolls her eyes, hoping she's not going to have to play mediator if Narvin gets a bit overzealous. but she supposes, if worst comes to worse, she can just grab him and whisk him back to the Plane]

[they continue along busy streets, not far from Fleming's shop now]

[He harumphs softly and leans back in the seat with a tight and stubborn set to his jaw. But...he has to acknowledge that she's right. There's no guarantee that the Gallifrey in her universe is the same as his, or, even if it is his Gallifrey, it's relative time from Menzies chronological point may not correspond to his own relative time. He may contact Gallifrey only to discover that some past version of himself is still there. He would have to tread very cautiously.

A part of him is grateful that she brought it up, otherwise he might have inadvertently caused a paradox.

As to whether she can handle Fleming, he'll wait to see the evidence first before he takes her word on it.

Narvin, being Narvin, verbalizes only the doubt and none of the praise or gratitude.]

We'll see about that.

[Narvin would probably be surprised by how much Menzies knows about paradoxes--meeting the Doctor out of order will do that to you. but she just scoffs at his skepticism; she doesn't feel any particular need to "prove" herself to him, especially considering he's the one who's trying to get a favour from her]

So we will. [she makes the comment as she pulls over, parking on the street just outside of a shop. a neon sign proclaims that they're at "Fleming's: Costumes and Electronics," though a few of the letters are flickering on and off. the front window displays an assortment of goods tagged at bargain prices--a wolf mask, a plastic Captain America shield, a few refurbished iPods, and several different video game controllers, among other odds-and-ends]

[but as they leave the car to go up to the door, she gives Narvin a stern look] Not everybody in there is gonna be "other"--not until we get into the back, anyway. So do me a favour and let me do the talking. All right?

[The objects visible in the window display don't fill Narvin with optimism about this Fleming person's merchandise. He hopes Fleming keeps some better items in the back.

Narvin meets Menzies' stern look and raises and eyebrow in reply.]

I have been under cover before. I know how to keep a low profile among the primitives.

[she raises an eyebrow] Well, that statement just filled me with confidence! [but she heads inside anyway, not concerned enough that she feels the need to strong-arm him into any agreements]

[a bell over the door tinkles as they enter. the shop itself is no more impressive than it looked from outside--it's small and somewhat dark, with shelves and racks filled rather haphazardly with items in seemingly no particular order. it's also empty except for one man--a short, stout man with a nose and ears that look just a little too big, olive skin, and a bushy black mustache and beard contrasting against the scraggly black hair around the edges of a large bald spot. he's wearing a green polo shirt over beige slacks, helpfully marked with a crooked nametag reading "Fleming." and at the sight of Menzies, his brown eyes go wide below bushy eyebrows]

Detective Inspector! Oh, how nice to see you again! Is there something you need?

[his accent is vaguely Italian, though of course that means little under the circumstances. but from his tone, he is clearly worried about what Menzies might want from him. he rubs his hands together in front of him in a nervous fidget]

[Menzies strides casually over to the counter, obviously used to this sort of behaviour] Hullo, Fleming. As it 'appens, I've got a new arrival 'ere, and he's looking for a way to get in touch with 'is 'ome planet. I thought you might be able to 'elp 'im with that. [she gives him a pointed look]

[Fleming relaxes rather visibly at this news] Oh, yes! Yes! Of course! [he claps his hands together, eager now] And, ah, what sort of range are you seeking? [he looks Narvin over curiously, trying to make a judgment about his species]

[Narvin watches Fleming with a suspicious eye. His eagerness to help makes Narvin paranoid.]

I need a communications device that will reach, oh, somewhere near the galactic centre, around the Kasterborous sector.

Kasterborous? [Fleming tilts his head, thoughtful] Hmmm, let's see... Come, come! [he gestures, heading away from the counter toward the back of the shop. once they've gone around a set of shelves, a door hidden in a back corner is visible, nestled along the edge of more shelves. he fumbles with a keyring at his belt for a moment, trying to get it open] I have many things. We find what you need! [when the key finally turns, Fleming pushes the door open, ushering again for them to follow him]

[the back room is, as it turns out, larger than the shop itself. in appearance, it's like a warehouse--rows upon rows of metal shelving, filled with various odds and ends of clearly non-Earthly origins. each section is labeled at the top, and Fleming trundles right for an area marked "communication." he gestures grandly] Here it is! These have the longest range. [he points to the far right] So maybe... [he draws his hand back a bit] In here. These will help! What would you like?

[Menzies just follows, shutting the door behind them in case any customers happen to come around. she watches Narvin to see how he handles this. if he does see anything promising, she hopes she can rely on how much Fleming owes her for helping him with UNIT. but they'll cross that bridge when they get that far--assuming something in Fleming's shop will even do what Narvin wants]

[Narvin rifles through the devices Fleming pointed out. None of them were ideal from Narvin's perspective (which is to say, none of them were Gallifreyan technology) but at last he chose one.]

This should do the trick.

[And then he drops another request, one he hadn't mentioned to DI Menzies.]

What about time travel technology? Do you keep any of that here?

[As CIA he should frown at the idea of temporal tech in the hands of some alien shopkeeper on 21st century Earth. But CIA rules aside, it would be very convenient for him if Fleming did have something.]

[for a second Fleming is clearly surprised by Narvin's request, but he recovers himself quickly] Ah, that's more rare! Expensive. I could order in special. Depending on what you wanted--and, ah, what you have to pay. [he rubs his hands together]

[Menzies steps forward then, though] I think one is enough for today. [and she gives a Narvin a look because so help her, she will grab him and drag him back to the Plane right in front of Fleming if he pushes her] Cheers, Fleming. So. [to Narvin] Grab your gadget and let's be off.

[Narvin snatches up his chosen communications device, lips pursed, vexed by Menzies' interruption. He waits until they've walked a little away from Fleming, then hisses quietly.]

If I had a piece of temporal tech, I could hook it up to the communicator and then I'd be guaranteed to get, if not the right universe, at least the right temporal era.

[And if he failed to contact Gallifrey at all, it would have served well as a possible back-up plan. A time travel device could be useful in all sorts of ways.]

[Menzies is relieved when Narvin doesn't push, but it's not a surprise when he pulls her aside as they reenter the shop. she hisses back:] Yeah, well, 'ow 'bout you try what you've got first? Before you get yourself too far in debt. And then we at least check with the Doctor before we even consider going in for Fleming's outrageous prices. All right?

The Doctor?!

[Narvin's pitch rises with incredulity even as he tries to keep his volume low.]

I have no intention of asking that renegade for permission. Or for favours.

[she gives him a skeptical look. she wouldn't have thought someone in Narvin's position could afford to be picky, but clearly he expects to be. and so she shrugs, unsympathetic]

Then try this first--and if that doesn't work, we'll 'ave to talk about what you're gonna owe me in return before we do anything else.

[the statement is only partially true. while all she's mentioning to Narvin is the money, she has bigger concerns about his request. she's going to need time to think about the dangers and make a plan before she starts purchasing temporal technology for anybody, especially someone about whose motives she's still dubious. but she's hoping that won't be necessary anyway, if Fleming's widget can do the trick]

So let's go test it. [and without waiting for his reply, she heads out of the shop]

Owe you? I do hope you don't expect human currency as payment, or else I'm going to have to go commit theft to get some. And I suspect you wouldn't like that, Detective Inspector. Nor am I particularly enthusiastic about the notion.

[Not that Barclays Back would miss a few thousand dollars if he created an account and simply inserted a bit of money into it via a bit of creative computing. But according to the principle of the thing, it was still technically stealing, even if it was from an organization that had enough money that they would hardly notice any was gone.]

We need some place away from the humans. It won't do to have one of them stumble across us while I'm working with this.

[she scoffs, sure he already knows that's not what she meant. because while his request of Fleming might require money from her part rather than just favours (if she even agrees to it), she knows better than to expect to be able to use currency across universes] A favour. You already owe me one, of course--because I 'ope you weren't just expecting that gadget out of the goodness of me 'eart. But that sort of tech would require something, ah, more significant.

Oh, obviously. [there's sarcastic amusement in her tone because, of course, she's going to be present. but she considers their options, she has to admit that she doesn't really fancy driving Narvin to her flat, but she realises she can bring him there with the Plane teleporter. that way they'll get this over with more quickly and he'll know less about where she lives] Right. 'ave you got any keys on you? [because she won't be able to bring him with her using the teleporter if he does]

I understand quid pro quo just fine. I'll do nothing that might endanger Gallifrey or compromise my duties, but beyond that I think I can manage a favour or two.

[When Narvin refers to "humans" he isn't including Menzies in that category. She is human, of course, and he knows that. But she's working with him, which in his mind makes her not one of the alien masses.]

Keys? You mean ordinary metal keys? No. Why?

[she nods] Good to know. [she doubts she'd be asking for anything potentially dangerous to Gallifrey anyway, so those conditions don't worry her. after all, they're not particularly different from the conditions she operates under herself]

[as they've been talking, she's led them to an alley around the side of the shop to make this part less obvious. it's a grimy little corner, but it's empty and private enough for them to disappear without shocking anyone, though she wouldn't trust it for their technology test] Maybe not just that. Anything that works as a key might be a problem--I 'aven't tested it that extensively yet. Basically, I've got a little gadget from the Plane for teleporting, but it's got that as a catch. So if you've got anything like that on you, you might want to drop it on the Plane for a minute. Give me a tick to do that, too. [without further ado, she disappears to the Plane to drop off her keys temporarily, but she reappears almost immediately. she's now holding a tiny, handheld metal device with one button on it] So. If you 'aven't got anything key-like, take my arm, and we'll be out of sight in no time.

I have nothing key-like at all, unless its restrictions extend to the rather metaphorical. [The Rassilon Imprimatur was almost like a key, a genetic passcode to activate a time capsule. But it wasn't exactly something he could remove from himself and leave on the Plane.

He tentatively takes her arm. Well, this method of travel has to be better than automobile, he thinks.]

Let's 'ope not. [she wonders what he means by that, but she doubts he'd share even if she did ask, so she just focuses her attention on the teleporter. thankfully, she's experimented with it enough by now to know that she doesn't need to speak the address aloud, so she just closes her eyes and pictures the main room of her flat, pressing the button]

[the transportation is instantaneous, and they're now in her flat. specifically, they're in the living area, with a sofa just in front of them. past that is a table and somewhat-old television set. the walls are lined with several cases containing books and one for DVDs. the books are a mix of classics and sci-fi stories, but the DVDs are mostly sci-fi related. on the table in front of the TV, there's currently a copy of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy lying out, as well as a few file folders]

[behind them, the living area segues into a small kitchen. the entire flat is rather plain, with white walls, tan and brown furniture and carpet, and white tile in the kitchen. there isn't much by way of decoration, although a window in the kitchen is covered by rather hideous lacy drapes that look out of place enough to indicate they probably belonged to a prior occupant. in fact, aside from the books and DVDs and a few kitchen implements lying about, the only real personal touch is a few plants--flowers by the kitchen window and a fern by a window in the living area. there is also one framed photo next to the fern, showing Menzies in her early 20s, standing in uniform and smiling proudly. a woman, perhaps in her 40s, is standing next to her, with short brown hair and the same dark eyes. she has a hand on Menzies' shoulder and looks quite as proud herself. in general, the flat is plain but neat. other than the two visible rooms, there's a corridor leading to the rest of the flat]

One minute. [Menzies pulls away from Narvin and disappears, returning to the Plane to retrieve her keys. an instant later, she's back] So, anything else you're gonna need to do what you're doing?

[Narvin curiously picks up the copy of Hitchhiker's Guide and flips through it. Then he glances around, learning what he can about his ally.]

All I need is peace and quiet so I can concentrate. Is that your mother? [He nods towards the picture.]

Easy enough. [she follows him, picking up the file folders from the table. the paperwork will give her something to do, as she has no intention of leaving Narvin alone in her flat to run his experiment. she'll sit in the kitchen, but she wants to be able to see what he's up to]

[the question surprises her, though. it seems oddly personal from someone who, so far, has shown a lot of disdain for humans. but reminding herself that he does intelligence work, she can begin to imagine why he's asking, and she sees no reason not to answer] Yeah, it is.

[not that this means she knows how to make small talk with Narvin, of course. and especially not about her own personal life. so she's going to leave it at that unless he has more he wants to know]

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