QUARTERMASTER

[nerdon]

Comments

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[ ... This was slightly worrying. There had to be something that she didn't know. He gives a sort of awkward smile. The one used in delicate social situations. ]

Does something terrible happen in 2015 I should know about?

[ He is glad she asked so he'll answer but. That's not really what he's worried about. ]

I'd prefer Jonathan, yes.

[chavette]

[ How's she meant to answer that? She just shrugs, and it's almost comically suspicious. Then right back on tack with the name conversation she's become totally determined to have. ]

Oh, right, yeah - Jonathan. You named after family then?

[ She's already running out of stuff to say. How does the Doctor manage to go on and on for ages like that? What would he say? ]

I um, I always - well I always liked being a Rose, but still, might be nice to have one'a those... longer names...

[ This is not going well. She glances at the door and bites her lips, praying that the Doctor will come back through it and save her from accidentally telling someone they're stood in a time machine. ]

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[ ... She isn't very effective in this. And now he's incredibly worried. You don't avoid a subject this hard without there being a substantial reason for it. ]

Rose, honestly. [ He's still going to make a joke. ] Do the Daleks invade or something like that?

[chavette]

[ Rose's demeanour changes so fast it's like he flipped a switch. All business, the laughter in her eyes gone like it was never there at all. ]

How d'you know about the Daleks?

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[ Eyebrows knit together in confusion. Is this not obvious to her? ]

From watching Doctor Who.

[chavette]

Watching - you've been watching us?

[ Her frown deepens and she steps back, away from him, casting a glance over her shoulders now for something - anything - she might defend herself with. Of course the Doctor's not here, of course not... ]

Is this some Satellite Five thing? You got cameras in here now, 's that it?

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[ Instantly his hands go up to defend himself. ]

No, no. I assure you, I've never seen you or this Doctor before. But surely you've heard of his other incarnations?

[ Hadn't she? Or at least jokes from pop culture about it. Even his less nerdy friends knew some of them. ]

Long scarf and jelly babies?

[chavette]

[ The more Jonathan talks, the more Rose backs away, until she's standing against the console of the TARDIS and staring at him with narrowed eyes that turn beetle black with suspicion. ]

Where've you seen him then?

[ 'Other incarnations'. He knows the Doctor changes. Makes sense that there were times before the one she met - she's never thought about it, but it makes sense. Maybe he met one. Maybe... and there's a tightness in her chest to think this stranger knew him first. Her Doctor. ]

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[ Other than to make sure he faces her, he doesn't move. He's obviously frightening her. But he can't imagine why? ]

Reruns and VHS until very recently.

[ Obviously. ]

[chavette]

What - you mean like on telly? The Doctor's been on telly?

[ She at least looks like she's starting to understand, maybe starting to think he might not be dangerous after all. ]

And the Daleks an' all that?