[SOS] θ 18

[bit_impossible]

[his fire burns low, partially from the rain and partially because he's neglected it even though he specifically lit it to make tea. instead, he's spent a good deal of time after the mysterious message played pacing back and forth in the rain--if the mud trail he's blazed in front of his shelter is anything to be judged--but he pays it no mind and doesn't care that his sphere is recording--not that he notices. he's too busy muttering to himself.]

What'd that voice mean about the locals? The way it was said...sounded like the frog hybrids aren't the only life around here. But...if they're not, where have the real locals been this entire time? [he runs a hand through his drenched hair, clearly disturbed by this]

No, no, no, we shouldn't stay around to find out. [glances to the sky] There must be a way to signal that ship! But they mentioned a potential danger...are we that danger? We shouldn't shoot anything at it then. Not even my sonic screwdriver, even if it wasn't damaged in that fall, will help this time; can't risk scaring them off or worse.

[he pauses, looking around him. he can see a handful of smouldering fires coming up from various places around the field and wherever else his fellow passengers have set up camp. this gives him an idea]

The fires...the fires! All we have to do is burn--no, no, hang on a mo'. The question is what should we burn? Shouldn't burn that awful, awful fruit [pulls a face, remembering their taste] because some people actually like them. And burning the nuts and the other food stuffs is unwise as well, and no burning the fore--

The flowers. Ohhhh, of course, stupid Doctor, why didn't you think of that sooner? Those cheeky little flowers gave off that green pollen before! Perhaps it'll even turn the smoke green too! [he dashes out towards the field, skidding and sliding in the mud, and unceremoniously plucks a handful of flowers out of the ground before running back to his camp.]

Here goes nothing! [tosses the flowers onto the fire]

Comments

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

[oh, he's not easily deterred from the subject] Of course it matters. If I hadn't--if I'd only listened--! [he sighs heavily, losing all the wind in his sails] We might not have gotten into the whole mess if I'd understood you better. I may be able to read you like a book, but I can't tell what's going on in your heart.

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

But it's not your fault! Doctor, I doubted you. There wouldn't have been any mess if I hadn't done that.

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

But it did happen. I refuse to let it happen again.

And don't you dare start saying you're a liability! How many times must I say it before it gets through that thick skull of yours?

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

[sighs] Doctor, I'd never forgive myself if I got you hurt. I can't risk that. Not when I can't be trusted. I know you want me to go with you, but...that's only half the question now.

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

You're not going to get me hurt! How many time do I have to say that too? You had ample enough opportunities to do so when that pollen was in full effect! And what'd you do? You kissed Lara! And then me, later on, but that's it!

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

I...what? [blinks] Doctor, why would I have hurt you then? The pollen didn't change me that much.

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

[grumbles into his hands] Oliver, you told people about the Puppeteer incident! Would you casually mention such a thing now? No, you wouldn't because all of us were under the influence. Our tongues were loosened and we spilled secrets we never would have if we were in our own right minds.

And according to you, if you thought yourself as this potential killer, wouldn't having no inhibitions, no moral or mental filter on your actions let that killer loose? That's what I mean. You could have killed me over and over and I would've taken it too because I wouldn't have fought.

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

[stares for a moment] I...never thought of that. I was doing everything that came into my head, but I...I mean, I never even thought...

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

No, and you couldn't have either.

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

You really think so, Doctor? That it means that...I'm really not dangerous? That there's nothing inside me, waiting? [is starting to get a little excited at the thought, though still disbelieving]

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

[throws his hands up in the air] Ding, ding! He finally gets it! Give the boy a prize!

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

But, Doctor! If that's true, that would mean... [his face lights up at the thought, but he's too overwhelmed with emotion to get the words out]

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

That you're as harmless as a little pup. With big ol' floppy ears.

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

[laughs] Yes! Don't you see? That changes everything!

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

On the contrary, I've seen that for quite a while. You're the only one who was blind to it.

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

After what I did, Doctor, I couldn't risk believing anything else.

But you're right. That pollen was proof! The deepest thoughts in my head came out then, and I didn't hurt anyone!

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

Exactly! So! What do you say now? Give this whole universe hopping another go? Just this time, be careful with your word choice.

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

[laughing] Yes! Yes, yes, yes! I'm ready for it!

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

[have a bear hug ollie!] Brilliant!

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

[hugs him back] Doctor, thank you!!!

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

Nah, don't thank me. Thank yourself! I just gave you the swift kick you needed to put the pieces together.

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

[shakes his head] No. I couldn't have done this--any of this--without you!

I want to travel with you. I want to help people again!

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

Well, true. I helped a bit.

And you will! Uh, once we get off Eos, that is.

Re: filter;

[oliverplus]

[laughs] I can wait! And I'll keep fighting the nightmares, so they don't put us in danger, either.

Re: filter;

[bit_impossible]

Good. [grins broadly] I think some time spent in the TARDIS will do you some good too.