On acceptance at Paradisa

[traken_master]

Congratulations. You found me a game with due speed. I'd be pleased, if it weren't for one, small detail, human.

You've taken away my ability to disguise myself!

That it's only at one of our games is not the point, you stupid girl, nor is the fact that it's an ability you've generally neglected. Of course, I can manage without my ability to disguise myself, but it won't be as fun. It will make luring people into traps much more difficult.

You will ask my permission, before you ever do such a thing again, do you understand me, girl? Or else, you might end up regretting that I still have my compressor.

Comments

[championoftime]

She inconvenienced you in your ventures of deception? Oh how terrible for you. Give me a mo', and I'm sure if I reach deeply into my pocket I can find a violin sufficiently minuscule to commemorate this occasion.

[traken_master]

Given the state of your pockets, I wouldn't be surprised. It was rude of her, Doctor, if nothing else. Would you like to be forcibly divorced from your ability to wear garish clothing?

[minor_setback]

...You do not have the capacity to change clothes? Please, for the sake of my sanity, tell me you're jesting. Otherwise, your sheer ineptitude at doing anything will be the temporary death of me.

[thecricketer]

Oh, surely you can rely on your innate charm and charisma.

[championoftime]

There's nothing garish about my clothing. It's the pinnacle of haute couture.

[No Doctor. Really it's not.]

WELCOOOOOME!!!

[hulloeverything]

[Laughing]

That's a shame. I was looking forward to seeing what ridiculous costumes you'd come up with.

... and I don't think the sound my mun just made was human. [peers]

[traken_master]

"Really? Would you mind letting me know when and on what planet? I'd like to conquer it as soon as possible and establish new clothing laws."

[traken_master]

Of course I can change my clothes! I simply can no longer use clothes to hide my identity or pretend to be someone else. I can wear anything I like, but I will always be recognizable as the Master, unfortunately.

It's a pity your death would only be temporary.

[traken_master]

Unlike you, Doctor, I certainly can. I don't deny that I am quite capable of furthering my plans without the use of disguises. It just isn't my preference. I enjoy my disguises, Doctor. The look on your face when I reveal myself is particularly entertaining.

:D Thank you!

[traken_master]

Yes, well, thanks to my mun, you will never get that opportunity. The blasted child could have taken my compressor. I can always come up with a new weapon!

...

No? How worrying. [shakes head, exasperated]

[thecricketer]

Stunned exasperation? Sympathetic embarrassment?

[traken_master]

The realization that you've once more been taken in and thoroughly deceived?

[thecricketer]

The security in the knowledge that I'm facing a foe I've defeated countless times before?

[traken_master]

Oh, no, you look far too apprehensive for that to be the case!

[hullo_sweetie]

Another Time Lord? How very interesting!

[traken_master]

Oh? Why is it interesting?

[hullo_sweetie]

Well, the Doctor doesn't talk much about Gallifrey.

[traken_master]

[That gets a chuckle from him.]

Well, you can hardly blame him. There's not much to say about that stagnant place.

[hullo_sweetie]

I've always wanted to see it, you know? Just once. The whole Gallifrey culture would be interesting to see up close.

[traken_master]

Do you think so? Personally, I was glad to be done with the place. It's not the paradise it advertises itself to be.

[hullo_sweetie]

Mm, well anyway, I'm River Song. So long as you don't go around trying to kill the Doctor, I think we can get along.

[traken_master]

I am the Master, my dear, and I don't generally get along with the Doctor's companions, though I'm not adverse to it. You'll have to overlook my attempts to kill him, however. Trying to kill each other is an old tradition between us.

[hullo_sweetie]

Then I'm afraid we really can't get along. I'm not just another one of his companions, I'm the Doctor's wife and you should know I don't share his views on not killing.

[traken_master]

Are you, indeed? Was it a large ceremony?

*There is a slight edge to his voice at this. The Master studies her.*

Odd, that the Doctor would marry someone who is willing to kill. Mind you, I respect the inclination entirely, but the Doctor is rather out-spoken on the matter.

*As far as the Master ever knew, his willingness to kill is what kept the Doctor from being his.*

[hullo_sweetie]

It was rather hurried, but we're planning to renew our vows in a few months.

[Don't even try to crash the wedding, that's what her tone of voice seemed to imply]

Funny, I've been a weapon since the day I was born. Just because I'm willing to kill, doesn't mean I don't try to avoid it whenever possible.

[River seems to be an exception to the norm in many ways]

[traken_master]

Congratulations. *He smirks*

Ah, but at least you realize there is a time and place for killing. Some impediments simply must be removed...permanently. Sadly, our dear Doctor does not understand this. I've been trying to explain it to him for thousands of years.

[hullo_sweetie]

I'm not interested in killing humans, so I think that is where you and I differ.

And he still has the same philosophy, eleven regenerations later.

[traken_master]

*He tilts his head.*

'Interested in killing humans.' What an interesting turn of phrase. I'm not 'interested in killing humans,' either. I am willing to kill anyone who stands in the way of my work, regardless of species, but I'd hardly call it an interest.

Naturally, he does. Some lessons, the Doctor refuses to learn.

[championoftime]

Earth, of course! I just mix and match the centuries as is convenient to me.

[traken_master]

You honestly expect me to believe that there is a century on Earth, where that sweater would be considered fashionable? It's like something knitted by an insane grandmother as some form of punishment.

[championoftime]

Obviously you didn't spend as much time with certain cultures with greater appreciation for bright colours as I did.

[Yes, Doctor. This is because the Master is not worldly enough. Not because he's stylish and you can use your clothes to flag down passing TARDISes.]

[traken_master]

Doctor, even the Romany would consider that sweater in bad taste. Question marks? Come now.

[championoftime]

Many languages use question marks. If anyone is confused by me I have a generally universally translatable symbol of why their impression is accurate.

[traken_master]

Perhaps, but that doesn't mean you have to wear that symbol in garish colors all across your clothing.

[championoftime]

I like people to recognize me.

Unlike you, obviously.

[traken_master]

"There are better ways to get attention than wearing tasteless clothing, my dear Doctor. Your heroics probably serve the same purpose."

[hulloeverything]

Oh I'm sure you'll come up with something to replace those disguises of yours.

Besides, you've got two of me to contend with, now. That should be entertainment enough for everyone.

[traken_master]

Of course, I shall, but I shouldn't need to, if the girl had any sense!

I'll give you that, Doctor. If nothing else, you are entertaining.