Backdated!!!! Pre-Ice -> 28th / Video & Action

[bigbadrose]

[A is for Audio-Visual: Aka: VIDEO!]

Nothing is better than combining adventurous locations with great food, right? Yeah! Which is why we're going to open a food stall for every single subgate through the gates themselves. Apply now at Torchwood for great opportunities! [Poses, making a W with both thumbs and pointers. Because she never did get the hang of her father's slogan and thumbs up wink gun, and anyway, that's his, so she should make her own.] Likewise, we're still hiring for non-human foods! Don't forget, living should be fun! Why just survive, when you can THRIVE?

Completely unrelated, [NO IT IS NOT. NOT EVEN A LITTLE!!!!] does anyone have more open source data on the pendants we all have and their reality orientation properties? Funny thing... my lead scientist on that was close to a breakthrough and [Snaps fingers.] Poof. [SAD SMILE.] I'm sure it's a coincidence.

[B is for Banal:]

[She's doing her best around Torchwood, trying to hide how frustrated she is internally. She knows Fluffy knows. She knows Fluffy is trying to be like her, hiding his exhaustive pain, and only giving her the tidbits she can handle piece by piece, but she, more than ever, misses her parents. And how pathetic is that? Okay, she's gotten USED to missing Pete, here. Which is itself, kind of weird to think about, because initially she'd run away without intending to ever see him ever again. EVER. And now... she would? So what was the big deal? But he wasn't here. And she needed his advice and direction and help here. And her Mum! She could ABSOLUTELY live without seeing her Mum ever again, and she'd told the Doctor so multiple times, even if he always sent Rose back to Jackie for both of their sakes, but it just... weighs on Rose. Reminds her of things she wishes she could say, but when she tries to write them into songs or even just messages in a bottle never sent; nothing happens. It wasn't like her phone reached her Mum in 1/2 of the alternate dimensions via dimension cannon either. Only if Torchwood was beyond fully functional, or the holes were wide. But then, Rose had been on a MISSION. And here... now? What mission did she have now? Keep Fluffy company? Give HIM purpose? What about her? Why had she made Torchwood anyway? It wasn't just for Jack. And it certainly wasn't just for the female Doctor she wasn't even fully sure would exist but...]

[She's quiet around the office for a month. Holding it together... but barely.]

[Making cutbacks on plans. Oh sure, Fluffy and Bowtie and Norm were still the Doctor, so it wasn't like 90% had to be scrapped or anything, but without the female Doctor, all the tinkering was just left there. Rose couldn't even touch it. She certainly couldn't reallocate it or rent it out. Maybe she'd come up with something eventually.]

[The Haunted House gets all forest themed and leprechauns and Bride of Chucky style for Spring at least. For some reason, the horror is cathartic.]

[Between Valentine's Day and March 27th Jack's re-arrival, she can be found not exactly meeting her OWN standards and motto. She's not thriving. She's existing. She hasn't faded to a ghost, but she's vaguely sure she's stone's skip from letting her team down. She's not exactly carrying them, and when Jack, Martha, and the future female Doctor go, she even put in emergency hiatus with the games club for a month. She couldn't fake her head would be in it, much less her heart.]

[C is for Chamomile:]

[The 28th sees a bit of a different Rose, hungover, sure, but back to business with a little more intensity. Maybe Jack wasn't going to re-join TW, but how could she DARE let him down?! He NEVER let her down! Not even once! Not even when she spoilers redacted hidden from all Bad Wolf was here! So of course she wouldn't let him down now! No way!!]

[But saying and believing were still different than following through with action not words. And Rose is wearing a pair of Sonic Sunglasses, and only drinking chamomile tea to soothe her stomach and make sure she doesn't throw up. Sometimes it's not easy being the young normie in a group of ancient immortals, but still trying to be the ADC.]

Knock it off!

[She accidentally snaps in public a little at the Haunted Eatings while waiting for Vaggie.]

[Ugh. Embarrassing. She hopes no one saw that.]

Comments

C

[chikapolilla]

[Vaggie could almost feel her hair billow in the sound wave that came out the door as she entered. Her face scrunched in confusion and bewilderment. Did the young, flighty girl that she saw yesterday actually have a serious, managerial side? Perhaps she judged her too quickly...]

[As she entered, Vaggie clutched tightly around a red leather book with an emblazoned red skull. She wanted to make full use of any information she was here to get and was not about to let an experience go to waste. As she surveyed the area, the demon lady was quick to find her -- the sunglasses was a dead giveaway. Or, was she doing that to make herself easier to spot?]

I see you are ready for business. That's good. Though... aren't those shades are a little conspicuous?

[bigbadrose]

Nah! [Grins and takes them off to show, turning them around so Vaggie can see the inside.] In my Dad's Universe, they have a brand of sunglasses that are almost like James Bond spygear, but public. I think in the Doctor's Universe it's... Apple??? Google? I-Wear? No wait. Apple watch and Google glasses, right? [Bites her bottom lip, snorts, and shrugs, putting them back on.] In my Dad's world, it's cyberglasses. [Waggles fingers.]

Either way, the Doctor made his own version of sonic sunglasses, that can access any network or internet system. [Another grin.] You should'a seen 'im back in December though. Norm rigged 'em to play Christmas songs, and Guitarist had no idea why they were acting so weird, and the more he tried to fix them, the more Norm was playing with them in the corner. And Norm being the youngest, Guitarist never suspected a thing.

[Sips her tea and holds up a finger, all serious again.] Right. I should start off with explaining, the Doctor is four different people here. One person, one gradual memory, one history outside of here. Actually it was 5 people until the same time Jack disappeared, but --

[Rubs her temples wearily. She misses Martha too. BLARGH.]

[Where was she?] It's part of his species. Like I said, he's not human. The oldest version of him is the one that left recently. She was working the hardest on the barriers and now--

[Sighs, and rolls her shoulders wearily, back to rubbing a temple.] Well, I've been trying to go over what she left me and her past selves, but the Doctor isn't really good at note-keeping.

So right now, I'm a little more keenly aware of what I don't know. But I'll try to do what I can. But the way he's able to be here isn't just bodies, because I know people who transform or gradually change their bodies aren't here in multiple forms. It's something to do with reality and the pendants, but also specifically time.

[Snorts quietly, and shakes her head. WHAT ABOUT TIME? She had no idea. Uai and Mirajane helped her piece out dimensions and magic and yet... Like Rose said, she knew more of what she didn't know!]

So it's important to know in talking to me, the Four Doctors here, and the one who left. Fluffy is the one who licks things. Well, they all do a little, but Fluffy started it, and the others don't admit to it unless they're stuck on information about substances. Bowtie is pretty chill, a little spastic, but for the Doctor, that's chill. Guitarist is old looking, grumpy, has angry eyebrows, and doesn't work with us often, but he's the Professor I assist at the Uni. Norm is [Ticks off fingers...] Several versions rewound younger than Fluffy. Otherwise it goes Fluffy-Bowtie-Guitarist, and then after Guitarist is the lady Doctor who recently left. Well, a month ago.

Oh, and if physics and time and dimension travel is your jam, that's what Guitarist teaches. He's also a rockstar and does concerts, hence the nickname. He keeps busy without the tinkering, but he did manage to set a pocket void on fire. Which I still haven't figured out how he did! He fried his brains in the efforts, and his wife -- also not here anymore -- had to carry him out.

[Stifles a yawn with a fist.] And I'm serious about that job offer. [Peers over the sunglasses, before pushing them back up.] Half of my team is gone. Mostly the ones who were working on sneaking out past the barriers. All experts in time, dimension, and universal travel and theories in their own right. [Headshake.] That doesn't scare me off from it though. Quite the opposite. It makes me more determined than ever.

1/2

[chikapolilla]

((congrats! Rose gets a new icon x3))

[Oh holy hell that was a lot of information. Rose is practically halfway through talking about the doctors that she finally realizes that the conversation had started and she was so NOT ready for it. With a quick slap of the notebook she began writing as fast and furiously as she can. Part-way through she was about to give up with a very frustrated "WHAT AM I LISTENING TO???" when things were starting to gel together.]

[Maybe...]

2/2

[chikapolilla]

[In a panic, almost exasperated flurry Vaggie raised both her hands in a desperate attempt to get her to just STOP for a moment. Her eye then returned to the diagram which just shows "1 → 2 → 3 → 4"]

...okay first. You talk too fast and dump way too much info all at once. Can you just... slow down just a little and check in to see if I'm following along? That's pretty basic and I want to make sure I understand and not just get talked at.

[Her gaze returns to the book and she was reminded of what she wanted to say.]

So, let's put that method into practice. You're from the future-past-something, and you travel around with a non-human person that... changes their shape and sex over time. And somehow each of these different... uh... versions of the same... person... all gathered here in the same spot across time and space and they're all interacting with one another freely. And there are four of them.

Am I following all this so far?

Oh, and don't forget. Check to see if I'm following you, please.

[bigbadrose]

Good job!

[Thumbs up!]

[A pause... and Rose laughs.] Yeaaaaaaah. My sister... Mirajane. Not blood sister, but [Flips over her right hand to show off the pink fairy tale guild mark] sister all the same, she is so much better at explaining things.

In -- everywhere but here I had to keep all this stuff top secret. So.

I kind of made the accountant shudder with how I keep everything in my head. Oops.

[Tea sip.] Martha said the same thing as you though. I think Trunks and Jack said I should-- [Handwave.] Don't take notes on that, it's not important.

Anyway.

It IS important to know that about the Doctor, because he's bound specifically to his Universe. He couldn't come to Pete's Universe -- my Dad's. And other immortals like angels, arch-angels, demons, youkai, the devil, can have different versions of them in different universes, following so far?

Every parallel universe is created by choices. But choices of mortals. However, the Doctor's species is only in his universe. I haven't yet seen multiple versions from different universes of the same person be here. [Holds her fingers up all parallel like.] It might be possible. But so far it's just been the Doctor. All from his universe. [One hand, five branches of the fingers she traces as a visual.] And not even Meta -- who is his half-human clone, my boyfriend. Long story.

I can go into that more later ask me about clump theory or the Meta-Doctor to remind me.

But first, let's start with, what's your name, what do you want to eat or drink, and what did you do before here?

1/2

[chikapolilla]

[She takes notes, small ones, and despite what Rose says she's not really going to pay much mind of what Rose thinks she "should" or "shouldn't" jot down.]

[Sh stops at the question and gives a small smirk.] Three questions. You've been counting then? [She had wondered if she was going to get away with those first two, but seeing as the game is up there was no reason to be coy.]

[She set her pen down against the table.]

Vaggie. Something light. Sausage, a biscuit, and fruit, maybe, and some hard coffee. As for the food while I'm not picky, I'd prefer it if it was meant for humans.

2/2

[chikapolilla]

[Her eye droops a little at the last question.] You can ask about my past, but its not exactly something I enjoy talking about. I will honor the deal though.

[...but reserves the right to have her ask something else if it was something she would not answer.] I was going to be a hotel manager. My girl friend had this big idea go give people a place to go to... improve themselves. Stop their vices. Get happy, that sort of thing. She dreams big but needs someone to help her with the every day things.

And I've balanced budgets before. I know how things go stay in the black. And I know that it was important to her. So I said sure. That's why...

[Her eye closes. No. That's enough for the question.] ...I think I answered that question fully. [She'd ask more, but her worry is now at a friend in a far off place and the fear that she's swamped with trying to figure out things on her own.]

[Hang in there, Charlie...]

Video . A

[ubiquitously]

Yeah, sorry that I can’t help you out at Torchwood. My priorities are a bit... different now.

... Any good date spots beyond those archways?

[bigbadrose]

Different?

Yes! Actually, I have a list! Though I haven't explored them all personally yet. And the man I sent on a mission had never really dated much. I think that kind of adds to the list's charm.

And it was mostly so I could figure out where to drag the Doctor because letting him pick is pure disaster, every time.

Every time! [Growl!]

When are you taking A-- her? Is it official yet?

[ubiquitously]

Well, if I wanted a list of charming places to mess up, I'd do it myself. I have great instincts for that.

[He nods, his cheeks beginning to turn red. Uai thinks that he's being calm and cool, but just the thought of Azura can fluster him.]

Yeah, it is. I don't know when she'll be free next, so I need to be ready to snipe that free time for spoiling her.

[bigbadrose]

Ah, the Doctor's school of influence then.

Now, you're definitely sounding like the Doctor.

So you're planning on wingin' it?

[ubiquitously]

Is that a good thing? I don't have to worry about being out-charmed by the Doctor, do I?

[DOES HE? uai makes a small mental note to be careful.]

Maybe a bit. I thought that visiting a sub archway might be fun, but I don't want to pick one that she'll hate.

Locked to Trunks -- YOGA / meditation (28th!)

[bigbadrose]

Rose is doing her best to seem as grumpy as possible. Which isn't hard. And probably all real too. And she's wearing the cyberglasses, with a few Doctor sonic tweaks, not just for professional reasons, if the way she flinches and half snarls at any cars and loud sounds is a good indication.

At least she seems mollified about the birds. The day Rose Tyler starts snapping at birds, there's a problem.

Re: Locked to Trunks -- YOGA / meditation (28th!)

[light_of_willpower]

A grumpy Rose still has absolutely nothing on Trunks's father. Granted, his time spent over the course of his life with Vegeta had been limited, but it had been...instructive. Especially that year in his early twenties in the Room of Space and Time. Not to mention, Bulma had a distinctive personality herself, and could be equally as moody and grumpy.

Which meant Trunks, once he senses Rose approaching, has turned to watch her heading towards him and their usual spot. Crossing his arms, more resigned, and his expression neutral and blank. Time to play the waiting game...

Re: Locked to Trunks -- YOGA / meditation (28th!)

[bigbadrose]

Tsuuuuuuuuuun....

Nah, that lasts like 2 second until Rose hugs him and whines. "Jack's back!!" A wince. "Ow, I hurt my own ears..." she went to cover them. "I'm supposed to be all strong for him today, but mostly I just want to go back to the Professor's dark office and stay there, and finish off any other bottles he's got. 'Cept apparently he doesn't drink real alcohol. Just ginger beer." Huff puff. Pout. "Morning!" Beam!

Re: Locked to Trunks -- YOGA / meditation (28th!)

[light_of_willpower]

The whine just brings a chuckle, with a hint of smile. Another heartbeat, and the hug had him curling his arms around her as well. "I'm glad for you, Rose." Lowering his voice a bit, tilting his head, and studying her. "You know I can still smell the alcohol on your breath too, right?"

Which meant she'd been drinking, somewhere; if not at the Professor's office though, then where?

Re: Locked to Trunks -- YOGA / meditation (28th!)

[bigbadrose]

A sheepish laugh and a full on giggle, as her hand went to her mouth. She had brushed her teeth-- twice of course!! But still. Saiyans and superhumans which meant --

Both hands went to her hair, all frazzled. She couldn't remember if she had told Mirajane, but since Trunks explained ki...

"No good, no good," she growled in frustration. "The Doctor's psychic, and even if he doesn't spy on me, I can't hide anything from him well, and Jack taught me all I know about it..." She paced about, took a deep breath, and flomped to the ground.

"Que sera sera. I still want to crawl back to the professors office and shut out the suuuun. He burned one up for me, just to say goodbye, did I ever tell you that?" She propped herself up on elbows, glancing over at him.

A

[cool_skeleton]

SAY NO MORE! I'M A MASTER MONSTER SPAGHETTOIRE!

[That's what she meant by non-human foods rite]

OH, AND MY PENDANT IS A DELICIOUS LEMON-LIME COLOR. I HAVEN'T TESTED IT'S FLAVOR.

[He mentions, now that he has cooking on the brain. So helpful.]

[bigbadrose]

[Absolutely!] Fantastic! What's a Master Monster Spaghettoire?

Don't eat your pendant, you need it to get around.

[cool_skeleton]

IT'S A PAPYRUS! WHICH IS TO SAY, A PASTA PERFECTIONIST. A KNOWING NOODLER. AN UNPARALLELED PIONEER OF PENNE, ETC.

OF COURSE! I HAVE LEARNED THAT RING POPS ARE THE ONLY JEWELRY YOU SHOULD TASTE TEST.

AS YOU CAN SEE, I'M A SKELETON OF MANY APTITUDES.

[bigbadrose]

Amazing!!!

Ah, my boyfriend might disagree with you there. I swear, he's never met an item he wouldn't lick.

29th

[koishi_komeiji]

It was on Rose's lunch break that she might notice something. A little youkai, kneeling on the table, leaning forward to stare at the spot she was staring at. In this case a bottle of alcohol. Her brows were furrowed in concentration, her lips pursed. She did not understand what was so interesting about it.

In fact, she hadn't even noticed that Rose had noticed her yet.

Re: 29th

[bigbadrose]

Rose pulls Koishi into a glomp. "Remind me why I shouldn't drink on the job and I need to set a good example for everyone and if I show up at 12's three days in a row drunk it's probably a sign that they'll do an intervention, and not the fun kind, but the "We're gonna take you to rehab like Amy Winehouse" and I'll be like, "No, I won't go!""

Yes. And this is her sober.

[koishi_komeiji]

"Wah!" Koishi yelped as she was pulled into the hug, ending up princess style in Rose's arms. She was absolutely okay with this and proceeded to snuggle right back. "Umm. Because it's good to be able to think and do things. And if you're drunk you can't do things."

A pause.

"Besides, most human alcohol is weak. Even if it tastes good. So you should save it for a time you can drink a lot and be happy. Because there's no point in getting drunk if you can't be happy while doing it!"

[bigbadrose]

"Humans and youkai drink for very different reasons," Rose realized aloud. "I don't take a lot to get drunk, and I don't drink when I'm happy, I drink to think less, so I can stop being miserable and GET happy."

That settled it. Rose opened the bottle and started drinking. "So you just drink for fun? What I mean is... why if you're already happy?"