[02] Full of Ideas

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[Hello, fellow residents. Have a Doctor, pacing in front of the bar. The CAT is in his hands, video turned on.]

Oi, you lot! Listen up. If your CAT says it's August, it's wrong -- June was eleven months ago. Now, either someone's been tampering with these things on purpose, or there was a bug in the programming. I'm about to find out. Might even clear up a few other things while I'm at it. I'm full of ideas about this case, got a whole list of potential suspects. If anyone wants to swap clues, come find me. Could do with a bit of company.

[filtered to Ten and Brax;]

Speaking of company, I think we ought to move in together. Bit domestic, I know, but it's...lonely, being by myself. 'Course, it's been lonely ever since I blew up Gallifrey. Er...since we blew it up? Blimey, it's odd having a self around all the time. Mind you, I think it's fantastic, even though you're annoying.

[/filter]

[and now he's walking into the bar, looking for Audrey]

Comments

[text]

[collector]

No, thank you. I think I'll indulge in an autonomous existence a little longer.

Some data for you:
-Luministi is 700 years old
-it is the year 700
-we're near a town called Centropolis
-the planet is Terra, the country is Nidea, and it's on the Northern Continent
-no explanation for the constellations are all from Earth and all from different points in time
-Resarci came to town twenty years ago
-Iussus has known Calign 'forever'
-Resarci has been late getting murder data back to Iussus
-Resarci's clinic funded the dinner at the Chrysalis
-we were brought here under the premise of an 'outreach' program to bring in new blood
-Resarci apparently inspired Calign to start that program

And here is a transcription of something that may be of use:

Begin transmission: Date 38-2-545. 1501 standard solar time.
HA: Is it true? Are you trapping those people?
HR: Please, take a deep breath. You need to calm down.
HA: But is it true?
HR: That is the idea, yes. But just pause for a moment. Think of the benefits! Think of everything we can learn. Everyone who will profit! Do you know how many people will-
HA: But what about the people?
HR: The people? What about our people? Aren’t they most important?
HA: Not everyone will agree with you.
HR: No. But we’ll do what we need to about the ones who don’t.
End transmission.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

And here I thought I got a lot of -- hang on, you don't seem too shocked. He's told you already, hasn't he? He could've told me he told you, would've made things a whole lot easier. No wonder you'd rather not live with us, can't say I blame you.

I've got a list of my own, though, since you've got no problem sharing information.

[and he switches to text here]

- the Sheriff hadn't noticed my bomb, or anything else that's gone on around here, 'cause he's been out of town for the past year
- he's gonna talk to me about why I couldn't put a dent in the town hall after the investigation wraps up
- we supposedly signed up for that program, and the houses were specifically constructed for us
- only we didn't sign up. At least, I didn't -- did you?
- I remembered a bloke with a hat pulled over his face, and Iussus said Deputy Drew would try to draw him for me
- if it were the end of June, we'd really feel the heat
- Audrey Ardes knows a lot about the CATs; she's got a knack for technology, and showed Iussus how to record things. He fixed the date on mine, too.
- Luministi is a recursive city, like Castrovalva. Have I told you about Castrovalva? Anyway, Iussus is caught up in the recursion, I think, so he doesn't notice. I'm planning on showing him later.
- Miss Osculia knows who's responsible for programming the CATs
- he seemed very interested in that message I got from the phone booth
- which he can't see 'cause it's got cloaking technology, if you haven't figured that out yet. Same as the sunglasses.
- he couldn't think of anyone who had access to that sort of technology
- they don't have the manpower available to monitor all the residents
- anything I do won't be sanctioned by the the Sheriff's office or the town hall, and he can't guarantee my safety -- letting me help would be going against his oath. Lucky for him, I don't care about being safe.
- the Sheriff's office has got a fly problem, one of them bit me

I got a text from an unregistered CAT, too:


"The one at fault had the power to save you all but did nothing before, and will continue to do nothing but destroy if given the chance! This person isn't interested in evidence, or any of your lives, despite what has been said in the past."

[text]

[collector]

As ever, your egocentric way of thinking is remarkable. I mean it. Even Bernice can't compare.

Anyway, press Ardes for what she knows about the program. Ask her about Resarci in particular. And perhaps something about the morality of doing something bad for a greater good.

Keep me updated.

[text]

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

How else am I supposed to think when you're not giving me anything to work with?

I'll keep that in mind, and I've got a few questions of my own to ask.

'Course.

[text]

[collector]

I'm sure I said explicitly that I prefer an autonomous existence. Or, in simpler words: I like to live alone. I've spent my whole life that way.

[text]

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

You don't know what it's like to live alone, Brax. You don't know what it's like to the last of your kind. I do, and having you here is still fantastic, even if you'd rather have nothing to do with me.

[text]

[collector]

It's always interesting having people put words in your mouth. It's also interesting when people tout their trauma like they're the only ones who have ever suffered in the universe.

[text]

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

I'm not putting words in your mouth, and I didn't mean it like that. I just feel like I've got to tell you everything. Don't know why, considering I never wanted to tell anyone anything before, and I was fine wandering about on my own. Well, I wasn't actually fine, but I could pretend like I was alright. Lots of denial. Still denying how the War happened, 'cause I can't deal with the truth.

[fortune_sought]

What sort of potential suspects do you have, Doctor?

And you mean it's...May? I would have expected nearly September, but you're right, the weather's certainly wrong for that. How strange.

Is that the White Rabbit? I can be there shortly.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

The Sheriff, Audrey, Resarci, Calign, even whoever the bloke is that programs the CATs. And yep, it's May! Apparently it's gonna get very hot in the summer. Someone's been mucking about with these things, and I think it's on purpose. Audrey knows a lot about them, so I'm thinking she can tell me how.

[smiles] It's the White Rabbit, yes. I'll be waiting for you.

[fortune_sought]

My, that's quite a lot of suspects... Do any of them seem more likely than any others?

[Sophie herself looks rather more cheerful than usual] I won't be long. [in fact, she's on her way there already]

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

We're about to find out if Audrey's a likely suspect -- all I know is she knows a lot about the CATs. Resarci and the Sheriff both seem likely too, considering all the stuff we've learned about them. I'll fill you in when you get here.

[and when she does arrive, she gets a hug. Yes, a hug.]

[fortune_sought]

[Sophie is surprised by that hug, but thankfully she's in a pleasant enough mood that she lets him hug her without even stiffening. in fact, she might hug him back just a little]

Are you all right, Doctor? Only, you seem to be acting a bit odd. Are you sure you're well enough to talk to Audrey? Not that I find her a terribly likely suspect, unless you have more information than I do? Is it simply because she knows so much about the CATs? I suppose they could be used to explain our weather troubles and the like...

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[yay hugs] Odd? I dunno, I feel fine. Just a bit lonely. More than usual, I mean. And yeah, that's why I'd like to talk to her. Think she might know about that glitch, and who could've caused it. If she's got an eye for technology, she might know about the phone booth, too.

[fortune_sought]

Really? Well, I'm glad you're willing to talk instead of stalking off to blow things up this time. I could use a bit of conversation.

Do you mean, why the other residents couldn't see it? I have received several odd messages over my CAT recently. Have you? Perhaps you're right. We might be able to learn something by talking to her.

Are you ready to go in?

[wind-of-reason.livejournal.com]

[Fuu feels like she could use some company too.]

New clues sounds fantastic! Simply splendid. And I would love to know more about the CAT too. I'm not too sure what I can offer you in the way of clues, but I would certainly be happy to chat about it. I wonder if Miss Audrey would be all right with it if I came into the bar with you. Otherwise, of course, I could just wait outside.

Oh, how remiss of me. [Gives a polite bow] Fuu Hououji. A pleasure to meet you.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[returns the bow] Pleasure's all mine! I'm the Doctor, by the way. And it might be easier if you waited outside, but I'll fill you in on all the details once Sophie and I are done.

[wind-of-reason.livejournal.com]

I look forward to it then, Doctor-- oh, but I already know a Doctor! Do you know the other Doctor? Whatever shall I do to keep each of you apart in my mind, or refer to you properly...?
Ah, but I shall wait then. Just give me a call when you're done.

[Because she just might be wandering around looking for someone else to cling talk to.]


[ooc: And I'm happy to wait the real-time it takes for the Doctor and Sophie to be done to pick this up, if that works for you XD]

filter via video

[bit_impossible]

If we really want to get technical, it was an earlier incarnation--and they're always easier to blame, don't you think? Like our sixth! What were we thinking with that curly hair and varied patterns and colours? Didn't suit us at all!

And if you want to move in, come on over to my place. You can have the sofa! [grins]

[guess who's a bit too happy babble-y to tell you off about Gallifrey's destruction? oh just wait until the effects are gone.]

video

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

You've got a point. Mind you, your outfit's not too brilliant either. Makes you look even skinnier, all those pinstripes! 'Course, I think you're handsome anyway, not that I'd ever admit it. Only I just admitted it, 'cause I can't shut up.

[beams] But you'll let me crash at your place? Fantastic! I don't need the sofa, though, I never sleep.

video

[bit_impossible]

[smiles quite smugly] Well yes, I am, thanks. [sweeps a hand casually through his hair]

But you mean we don't sleep. That hasn't changed, but it does beg the question of why you want to crash here since that naturally means you want to, well, sleep here. However! I think it'd be quite brilliant for a time--and no Belgium-shaped explosion to worry about. Funny that. Nothing catastrophic has happened even though we're in the same place and time... Kind of nice for a change, don't you think?

video

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[rolls his eyes] Not as handsome as me. Not that I've got any idea what I look like, haven't bothered to check.

I don't want to sleep with you, Doctor. [beat] Er. That came out wrong. But anyway, I'm just feeling a bit lonely. More than usual, lately. Dunno why. And I'm not planning on blowing anything up again, unless I get bored.

...It is nice, yeah. Brilliant, even. Too bad it's not gonna last when we leave.

video

[bit_impossible]

Nah, I'd say I'm the more handsome of the pair of us. Just look in a mirror already, will you? [though it registers in his mind that this previous incarnation hasn't met Rose yet--or at least hasn't followed the arm that followed her home that day.]

[arches an eyebrow--but doesn't think much of it the next second] Is that right? Well...admittedly, I've been feeling that way for an awfully long time, but far too many people have been hurt because of me. Best they stay away for their own good, really, but as far as sleeping with me, well, that may complicate things. And possibly make a lovely girl in the malt shop extremely jealous. Not that anything's going on there--no, far from it--but as far as company goes...

Anyway, I think we ought to make the best of a bad situation while we can! So! What was that about suspects?

video

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

You would. And there are more important things going on, maybe later.

[frowns] Oi, you need people for your own good -- 'course, I haven't got anyone, so I'm a bit of a hypocrite. But I'd prolly get hurt 'cause of me before I got hurt 'cause of you. Never mind that you're me. Point is, you're not gonna push me away for my own good, that's just stupid.

[then the next bit hits him, and he looks thoroughly embarrassed] I didn't mean it that way! I don't wanna sleep with anyone, that usually leads to domestics. I know living with you'd be domestic too, but I'm too lonely to care at the mo'. Sleeping together would just add a whole new level of terrifying. Mind you, if there were no domestics involved, it'd be a different story. Long as you bought me a drink first, anyway.

[he wants to duct tape his mouth shut so badly right now]

But erm, yes, suspects. I'm gonna have a chat with Audrey about the CAT problem, but I'm not sure she's behind all this. My money's on Resarci or the Sheriff. Maybe Calign, but he's lower on the list.

video

[bit_impossible]

Nope, I've made my choice. Sure, it means talking to myself a fair bit more, but that's never really stopped me before; why would it now?

Oh, Audrey! Had a lovely chat with her the other day, although... It was sort of a favour for Brax. A talk on ethics! Well, it sort of started out that way, but just like I thought, there was something wrong. Not about her ethical standpoint on things, no far from it. Only that she was concerned about someone doing something and getting into trouble. Awfully vague, I know, but she wouldn't elaborate, not even after a couple more rounds of drinks.

But I don't think what's troubling her has to do with them. I caught her not too long after the Sheriff was murdered and she seemed extremely rattled there. Granted, everyone in town is, but...there's something more there.

Now. As for Resarci and the Sheriff... I think they're hiding different things. Resarci seems more the likely suspect to me. The Sheriff...just seems like your typical detective so sure that you know something when you don't. Surprised he didn't turn on a light and shine it in my face, really.

By the way, have you seen this yet? [digs in his pocket and holds up a burnt piece of paper that should be readable over the CAT]