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[bit_impossible]

[when the Sphere turns on, it appears as though it's caught him in the middle of a bath, water dripping off his wet hair onto naked shoulders. only, a moment later, the Sphere pulls back a little to reveal a large length of silken brown, blue, and white striped fabric that once was his tie set around something that looks suspiciously like a blue tea cup. in fact, it is, especially if the giant tea spoon peeking out from underneath the tie and the giant tin filled with English Breakfast tea is any indication.

in truth, he's not exactly sure what he thinks about being able to take a bath in his tea cup. he'd rather be drinking his tea, not sitting in the water he intended to use for it. from the displeased expression on his face, he's rather annoyed at the Sphere for catching him in his current predicament. he doesn't bother to mention Ganymede; he's already made his complaints to the Captain.]

Well, I can definitely say I've never done this before. Can check it off my list--though, I'll have to add it to the list then check it off. [mutters] And I've never worn my tie like that before...

[he sighs, slinging his wet arms over the edge of the tea cup, his feet poking up out of the water on the other side.] This new height is very inconvenient. I wanted to modify my Sphere today, but I can't even carry my sonic screwdriver without help. [from off-screen, there's a little squeak, the tone robotic and tinny, followed by a couple others.] Yes, yes, I know you have a job to do, but you're helping me out! That's your job for right now.

Anyway, where was I? [pauses for a moment, running a hand through his hair and ignoring the continued squeaks of protest from off-screen.] Oh yes, being inconvenienced. I rather think that's a theme Ganymede likes to use in these games of his. Orion does a good enough job dabbling in them himself, though he plays those off as us doing him a favour, or us needing to do something so he can help us. Fat lot of good he's been so far. Let him on-board and his father'll turn up dead again--and where will our answers be then? At the end of another black hole?

Comments

[bit_impossible]

[well, there were several other legitimate complaints and warnings thrown in, but...] I offered to help him pilot the ship away from its current course.

[oliverplus]

Oh. Ohhhh. And that was "pointless," huh...

[bit_impossible]

[frowns, his tone bitter.] Apparently.

[oliverplus]

Then we'll just have to get onto the bridge and change the course ourselves.

[bit_impossible]

That's what I've been trying to do for the past nine months, Oliver. You don't have to tell me that.

[oliverplus]

[makes a face--it seems becoming smaller hasn't shrunk the Doctor's temper] I know.

[bit_impossible]

Then quit pointing out the obvious. It's becoming a habit of yours.

[oliverplus]

[rolls his eyes; he was trying to be encouraging, but better not to invoke the wrath of the tiny Doctor] Whatever you say, Doctor.

[bit_impossible]

Anyway, what did you say to Ganymede in your message?

[oliverplus]

I basically just told him he keeps dying and asked him what he's brought us here for.

[bit_impossible]

Basically, hmm? [strokes his chin thoughtfully] You'd think he'd want to have that bit of information.

[oliverplus]

Apparently it goes in the "pointless" category. I'm really starting to wonder if he wants to be killed.

[bit_impossible]

Wants to? Nah, don't be ridiculous. If he really wanted to, there are several more ways he could die without dragging us into it.

[oliverplus]

Then how else would you explain him not being bothered about the fact that his son keeps killing him?

[bit_impossible]

He might not care for his son.

[oliverplus]

What does that have to do with not being worried about being murdered?

[bit_impossible]

He might think that what his son does is of no consequence to--[he looks away, suddenly distracted]--him...

[oliverplus]

Doctor? Is something wrong?

[bit_impossible]

I thought I heard murmuring. [falls silent for a moment, holding up a hand to stop Oliver from speaking so he can listen.] I can't quite make out the words...

[oliverplus]

[stays silent while the Doctor listens. he concentrates as well but doesn't hear anything]

[bit_impossible]

[after another long moment has passed, he puts down his hand, a puzzled expression on his face.] Definitely murmuring of some sort, but I can't pinpoint the source of the voices. They sound like they're all around, but soft. How didn't I notice them before?

[oliverplus]

Doctor, I don't hear it.

[bit_impossible]

...You don't hear anything? Not a single thing whatsoever? Get down to--[he sighs, covering his face for a moment, not believing he's going to have to say this.] Get down to my level and you might hear it. Open your ears.

[oliverplus]

[he might have teased the Doctor if he weren't so curious about these noises. instead, he leans down next to him, listening hard for a moment] You're right. There's...definitely something.

[bit_impossible]

Ahhh, amazing what you can hear when you actually listen.