realityshifted

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doctor who (d1) patricia menzies

[021]

[the table where Menzies is sitting in the Plane library is currently covered in a combination of orderly chaos. this includes several stacks of file folders, two stacks of papers, multiple notebooks, and editing implements like white out and pens. one of the folders is open in front of her, and Menzies is reading intently through its contents, muttering to herself as she does so]

Species name should be safe enough. Just gotta get rid of where I got the information about it. Probably just...leave that vague. [as she finishes her reading, she turns her attentions to a blank piece of paper and starts to recopy the sheet in front of her--with a few edits into the bargain]

[but after a few sentences, she pauses to rotate her wrist, sighing. she's been at this for a while already, and it's starting to wear on her] Thank god I've got all the time in the world for this. Not that Pierce is likely to notice the missing files too quick even if I do go back. Still... [after one more wrist rotation and another sigh, she goes back to her work. at the moment, she's too focused on it to pay a great deal of attention to her surroundings. after all, she has a lot to get through before she can start returning files to Manchester]

[ooc: This marks the end of the attempted alien coup (and subsequent events) in Manchester. Menzies is still a DI at Longsight, but she's now an official liaison for UNIT and has a new partner into the bargain. More information can be found here and Menzies' introduction to DC Pierce is here.]

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Start taking a night class or something? [He teases, sure that's not what's going on here, especially with the bottles of white-out. As usual, he has two cups of coffee with him and sets them down as he takes a seat next to her. He's still in his armor, though. Beads of sweat cling to his brow but he's in high spirits.] Hmm...I wonder if two will be enough... [He shrugs slightly then leans towards her to plant a kiss on her cheek.] Want any help?

[Theta appears with a little flash at North's shoulder and waves at Menzies. He seems a little less shy this time.] Hi.

[she smiles when she sees him coming and chuckles at his teasing] You do know I usually work nights? [but at his question, she tilts her head consideringly. she needs to make the edits herself, but getting another pair of eyes to help her find the relevant files isn't a bad idea at all] Hmm. Depends on how bored you're up for being. [she picks up one of the coffee cups and takes a sip] Cheers, by the way.

These... [she gestures at the files on the table] ...are my, ah, informal files about alien cases. Well, the ones since I started coming to this place, anyway. Because now that I'm a police liaison to UNIT and have a partner, he needs to be able to reference these files without learning about the Plane in the process. So I'm taking it out of them. [knowing that was a bit of a bombshell, though, she adds helpfully:] A lot 'as been going on lately.

[at Theta's appearance, she jumps a little--she's still getting used to his ability to materialise out of the air. but then she gives him a smirk] Hi, Theta. Ah...what 'ave you been up to? [because even if he's getting less nervous around her, she's still fairly nervous about how to talk to him]

I doubt even that would stop you. [He takes a sip of coffee, then reaches for a bottle of the white-out while she explains what's going on, but doesn't do anything with it for now.]

I'll say! A promotion and a partner, wow! Congratulations, Trisha! [He's beaming and leans forward to kiss her again.] Maybe I should be getting us champagne instead!

[Theta pays no mind to all this close interaction between North and Patricia. Feeling how happy he is gives Theta more confidence and encouragement not to be as shy around her.] Um...you know. Stuff. [Like working with North and totally getting every single sniper bullet past their shield when he fired from within it. It was so cool. And it was tough work! But he can't tell Patricia about it because of rules back home...] Oh! I've learned a new trick. Wanna see? [Sadly, it isn't the dome trick, but it's still neat!]

[she snorts. he might have a point if that situation ever did come up]

[but then comes his enthusiastic reaction, and she just blinks for a second, letting him kiss her cheek again, ignoring the sweat still beading on his face. the nickname is a surprise, too. they're not something she goes in for much, but she finds in this case that she doesn't mind it]

[giving him a slightly bemused smile, she says:] You know it's not actually a promotion, right? Not like I'm suddenly a DCI or anything. I think UNIT just finally worked out that I've got some alien connections they don't. And the partner's probably just 'cause they figure the one of me is a liability. [she pauses before adding:] But, ah, thanks.

[considering the state of North, she asks Theta:] Training? [she's not sure why he's being avoidant about that; it's not like she doesn't know what North has him for. but at his offer, she raises an eyebrow] Yeah? Sure, why not.

[He figures that since she hasn't said anything about the nickname that maybe she didn't mind it. It felt really nice to say.]

It's more responsibility, though. That's a step closer, isn't it? [He leans forward to rest against the table but still watches her face.] And why else give you a partner? They want you to keep doing what you're doing--and bring someone else in with what your work. That's not something you do if you're worried about liability.

[North nods.] Yep, trying out some new techniques. [But even he sounds a bit surprised by this trick that Theta's talking about. Surprised, but also encouraging.] Go on, Theta.

[Theta nods enthusiastically then moves to the table.] Okay...here...it is! [Suddenly, an AI-sized holographic skateboard appears beneath his feet, and he starts to wobble back and forth across the table.] Whoa...! Okay...I think I got it. [It takes him a moment to settle, but soon he's moving the skateboard smoothly back and forth, and doesn't appear to be unsteady.] Hah! See?

[she frowns thoughtfully, trying to work out how to explain. because as nice as it is to see him so excited, he definitely doesn't understand, and she doesn't want to mislead him] It's...sort of more responsibility, but probably not what you're thinking. I mean, I'm a DI, so I'm in charge of constables and sergeants anyway. But training somebody to work with aliens is new. Mainly, it means I can actually report the alien cases I do, so maybe I can get away with less overtime now. [she shrugs] We'll see.

Thing is... [she pauses, shifting slightly, a little uncomfortable. this isn't a topic she usually addresses--or even allows herself to acknowledge. it's something that caused her a lot of bitterness when she first realised it, but she's also long since resigned herself to the reality] I don't think I can actually get promoted, North. Not with what I do. If I became a DCI, I wouldn't 'ave the flexibility to go out in the field the way I need to. So, in a way, this is close as I can get--but it's not a promotion.

[at his misunderstanding of what she meant by a liability, she winces, knowing he isn't going to like this. still, he's the one who insists on openness, and it isn't like it's anything he shouldn't already know, so she says:] Ah, you're right that they're finally noticing my work means something. But the liability is that, as you might remember, somebody tried to kill me. I've got a feeling UNIT just wants there to be two of us in case anything ever 'appens to one.

[but she turns her attention to Theta then, and her eyes widen when that holographic skateboard appears--she had no idea he could create images like that. thinking about it, she supposes his own appearance is just a hologram as well, but still, it wasn't something she was expecting. and she's not sure why he's decided to put this talent to use on skateboarding in particular, but then again she figures she probably shouldn't think too hard about the hobby choices of a child] Ah...that's really something else, kid. Looks like you've been working 'ard.

[His expression turns thoughtful as he listens. Striving to move up the board, to be the best... That's something instilled into all of them, though he's long since come to the conclusion that since they're all so good and close relatively combat and ability-wise, only mistakes made are going to determine who goes up and down, not achievements. So thinking about never advancing and comfortable where he is has crossed his mind--but her situation is different.]

Well...I won't pretend to know everything about the police system in your time, but I still think it's ultimately a good thing they've given you more responsibility, even if it isn't an official promotion or anything. You'll have more resources than the rare visits from the Doctor or any other helpful aliens you've met. You won't have to do this alone. [He smiles warmly.] That's all I mean.

[When Theta is done, North claps proudly for the little AI.] Hey, that's awesome, Theta! When did you think of making a skateboard?

[Theta hops off the board, kicking it up to himself. He sounds a little shy.] I, uh...saw it in Agent Washington's locker... It looked like fun, so I looked up things about it! [It's helped keep some of the nightmares away when North can't...]

Oh. [she relaxes a little, finally able to nod in agreement at that assessment] Well, yeah, that's true. I've got closer ties to UNIT, and I've got another officer now. Not that I know much about 'im yet, but he seems all right so far.

You just thought you'd do that in your spare time, huh? [her smile at Theta is amused] I'm more surprised you managed to keep it from the psychic over there. [she jerks a thumb at North]

What do you know about him? And when should we introduce him to your "friend from the future"? [He figures he can ask about all these files at a later time. No doubt some of the things they've been through are here...]

Wash's locker, huh? [He chuckles, amused.] That explains it. Probably saw his cat pictures too.

[Theta nods, feeling pretty happy with himself.] Yeah... I do a lot of things. I get bored. [He turns to North, though.] I didn't know you were psychic, North. [It isn't in any file he's seen about his Freelancer...]

[He gives Menzies an entertained look and shakes his head.] She's teasing, Theta. I'm not really psychic. It just only seems like it at times. [He reaches over and gives her hand a little squeeze.]

I see. You like to tease a lot, Patricia. [That's an observation. An innocent one.]

[she's surprised by that question] You want to meet him?

Ah... [she pauses, thinking about how to describe him] DC Pierce just transferred into CID--and to Longsight, for that matter, but that was UNIT's doing. [she tilts her head] He's...a bit like a soldier in 'is way. I mean, I'm guessing that's why UNIT picked 'im. He's tall, muscular--quiet as a pin. And gruff. As far as 'ow things are going, he's been briefed on aliens. He started out a bit rough, but he caught on fast, and he's keeping his 'ead about 'im so far.

But North, there's...probably somebody else you should meet first. [somebody who now knows about him because it was the only good news she could think to give in the midst of so many problems. but even though she's the one bringing this idea up, she can't help looking a bit nervous because of what it will mean]

[she snorts at Theta's assumption, though. and, predictably, she can't resist being sarcastic in response, smirking as she speaks] Oh really? I 'adn't noticed.

Of course I do. Gotta warn Pierce to answer to any nickname you'll give him. [He grins at her, a mischievous gleam in his eye.] But you know, he sounds like a buddy of mine. Goes by the name of "Maine"--yes, like the state. Wouldn't happen to have a shaved head, too, would he?

Oh yeah? Got a secret boyfriend back home I don't know about? [He's still teasing. He wonders if it could be her mother, though. Unless she means the Doctor. He...isn't sure if he's ready for that.]

You hadn't? It's...oh. [He'd pout right now if he could.] You were teasing me just now.

[she snorts] Believe it or not, we don't go in for nicknames so much on the force. But ah, yeah, actually. I think York mentioned Maine once--big bloke, never talks. Right?

Oh yeah. That's the first person I want you to meet. [because clearly Theta isn't getting enough sarcasm from her for North to be spared. but then her expression grows more serious, and when she speaks again, she actually sounds a bit awkward] You...said once you wanted to meet my mum. And she knows about you already, so...well, she'd like it if you dropped by sometime. If you're still interested, that is. [she watches him with uncertainty, tapping her fingers against the cup of coffee nervously]

[but she chuckles then, smirking at the little AI] Good catch! We'll get you trained up eventually.

[He nods.] That's him. Man of few words, prefers to grunt and growl instead. Bigger than me, too. But he's a good guy.

[His eyes light up at the suggestion and he smiles warmly.] I'd love that. [He slips his hands over hers.] I didn't realize you'd been talking about me to her.

Aww, we do so much already... [He glances worriedly at North.] Would we have to report it to the Director?

[amused, she says:] Well, given that DC Pierce 'asn't taken to growling at me yet, that sounds like one thing they don't 'ave in common, at least.

Recently, yeah. After what 'appened. [she pauses, squirming a bit under his hands, before she fights her discomfort by shifting the topic to practical concerns] But we need a better cover story for you--one that people who don't know about aliens or time travel can 'ear. There wasn't much I could tell 'er.

[she blinks at Theta's reaction for a second because she wonders if he could really be that dense. but knowing that he's a computer and deciding most likely is, she chuckles again] I, ah, think we'll be able to keep this training off-the-record. What do you say, kid?

[He casually pulls his hands back upon realizing it might be too much for her.] Does...she know what happened to you? What did you manage to tell her?

But you're right, we do have to come up with something to tell her. [He smiles faintly. He's had an idea of what to say for ages. He kinda figured he'd need one eventually, especially with him spending more and more time there.]

We can? [His glow brightens ever so slightly.] Can we, North? I know we're not supposed to talk about certain things with the Director. I can add this to the list! [Things like "special friends" and "the Astral Plane" for starters.]

[North chuckles and nods to the AI.] Sure thing. It'll make things easier for the both of us in the long run.

Edited 2015-01-18 23:49 (UTC)

[it's more the content of their conversation that's making her uncomfortable, but admittedly having her hands held in place wasn't helping] Not much. [she pauses, considering what to say--and how] She, ah... Well. I couldn't contact 'er during that whole mess, obviously, so all she got was a cryptic phone call from UNIT to tell 'er I was safe. So she went by my old flat, and as it turns out, she's not really the sort to respect areas that the authorities 'ave taped off. [she sighs] When I finally got to go see 'er, I think she was just relieved I was alive.

Anyway, she understood I couldn't tell 'er anything, but she definitely knows by now that I'm doing more than normal police work. Honestly, I think she already knew and all this just confirmed 'er suspicions. So I...decided to tell 'er about something else instead.

[but, eagerly seizing on a different topic, she raises an eyebrow] You look like you've got something in mind. Care to share?

Glad that's settled, then. [she smirks, amused at Theta's naive reactions]

Oh no... [Having seen what her apartment looked like "right after" the incident, he can only imagine what her mother thought. Admittedly, her blood splattered all over is something he doesn't want to see again either.]

Well, I'm glad I was that 'something else'. [He smiles encouragingly, flattered to hear her mom knows about him.] But before I tell you, I've gotta know what you told her. Can't risk contradicting the story.

[Theta nods at her, glad that they can go about these additional lessons this way.] Me too! I won't let you down.

[it's something that she wishes neither of them had seen, really, but at this point all there is to do is move on, and so that's exactly what she's trying to do. so she smiles a little at North's apparent excitement--and his barely concealed fishing for information because she's sure that's exactly what that is]

Like I said, I didn't say much. You go by North, your surname. You're from America and with the military. Told 'er what you look like, too. [and, with some prodding from her mother, a little about his personality as well--not that she means to share that part with him in much detail] Also that you're impossible and 'ave got a thing for zoos. I think that's about it.

[she's still smirking at Theta] Glad to 'ear it.

A thing for zoos? [He laughs.] Well, got me there. I'll have to give her a first name, though... [He taps his chin in mock-contemplation.] I'll think of something. [Says the man who's already given this thought long before now.]

[He leans forward to give her a quick kiss.] Let me go take a shower and change. Then we'll go. [Then something flickers across his features.] Should...we bring anything for her? What should I wear? My dress uniform may be a little too much. [He's teasing, of course, with that outfit suggestion, but he does wonder what kind of person she is. He wants to make a great first impression.]

What, now? [her surprise is clear] North, we 'aven't even talked about a cover story yet!

[and she eyes the files spread out over the table. thankfully, she'd taken them home rather than sneaking to and from the Plane with them during work. thinking about it, as much as she hates to leave something in the middle, she supposes that task can wait]

[but even with that concern aside, she and North definitely need to be on the same page before they arrive. after all, she knows her mother is the sort of woman who would pick up inconsistencies in their stories immediately]

We need to know what sort of work you do--'ow we even met! She'll be wanting to know more about you, too. We've got to decide on at least some of that first, or she'll know something's fishy.

And you've barely begun to show me all these or answer my question about what I should wear and bring. [He taps a stack of files and while she's distracted, leans in to give her a quick kiss.] I'll think of something in the shower, don't you worry. Back soon, gorgeous.

[Before he can even let her respond or yell at him, he drops. He really did need to take one, but he finds a nicer set of his civvies and gives his boots a quick shine. If her mother is anything like Patricia is--and he suspects this is very much the case--then he wants to be presentable. And he doesn't have to think much about what kind of story to tell her or anything. The name, though... He hasn't been using his real one for so long, it just...isn't him anymore. But with this, he has a chance to reinvent himself. Give himself a new identity--and avoid any time travel issues with any possible version of himself in her reality in the future.

Once he's out of the shower, dresses himself in a nice pair of khakis and clean button-down shirt, and let his hair dry a bit, he heads back to the library and awaits her reaction to his return with a smile as he sees her.]

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