video; one little time lord jumping on the bed

[spacehipster]

[ It's bright outside, as a disheveled man, looking a fair bit mad with his bow-tie askew, addresses the console cheerfully. ] Helloooo, citizens of the Tu Vishan! This is your captain speaking. Not really, but I do like the thought of being a captain, at some point. [ He winks. ]

I'm new, obviously, and it seems I'm not alone in that, so hello, fellow news, and good day, dearest olds — though I suppose whether the day is good or bad or simply so-so is entirely subjective. [ He sticks out his tongue briefly. ] Still, it tastes like an awfully good day, if you ask me, which you didn't; but it's a bit late to protest as I've already told you.

Anyway, I'm curious about some things, so let's skip pleasantries and go straight to queries, if you're so inclined. [ He holds up one finger. ] Thing one: where and when are you lot from? An approximation is fine. And don't worry about confusing me if it's complicated or timey-wimey shenanigans are involved. I happen to be rather quick on the uptake.

[ Two fingers up, like a peace sign. ] Thing two: flatmates. [ said as if it is the newest, most delicious word to ever be spoken. ] Apparently, I'll be lodging in WO-2B, so if you're also lodging in WO-2B, I am led to believe that makes us mates of the flat variety. In other words, lodgers, roomies, neighbors. etc. Which means we really ought to get together and chat a bit, maybe eat crisps, talk about girls — standard flatmate stuff. Yeaaaah. Flatmate stuff. Love a good flatmate, I do.

[ Three fingers and a grin so wide, it nearly splits his face. ] Thing three: great, big, sexy, blue box. I'm looking for her, and she's probably looking for me. Tangentially related, large-nosed Roman and shout-y ginger. May or may not be with the box; most definitely with each other. Probably kissing. [ kissing noises go here. ]

Oh, I'm the Doctor, by the by. Lovely to meet you all.

Comments

[philosophe]

[He's just -- looking pleasantly baffled, but a bit intrigued at the same time. Boxes and new neighbors and a man introducing himself as a doctor. Clearly medicine has gotten much stranger in the future.]

I am not a flatmate, I'm afraid, but I am also in the Wood sector, monsieur.

[spacehipster]

Excellent! The more the merrier, I always say. Well, not really, but I've said it before and I'm saying it now, so there.

Lovely to make your acquaintance.

[philosophe]

And yours! [A cheerful smile.] I am called Combeferre, lately of Paris.

[spacehipster]

Of Paris! New Yorkers and Parisians — the two lots of you make up the majority of the foreign demographic I've encountered so far, you know. Are you mates — or acquaintances, at the very least? [ because a trend is always worth looking into. ]

[philosophe]

That depends on the Parisian, I would say. [He squints a little, grinning, and makes a motion to adjust glasses (that still aren't there, woops), before looking slightly sheepish.]

If you have met a blond fellow called Enjolras, then yes -- he is one of my dearest friends.

[spacehipster]

Ah, yes. Charming fellow, in a standoffish sort of way. [ doctor, that does not really make sense. ]

[ he taps the side of his head, right by his eyes. yes, he noticed the attempt at glasses adjustment. ] Looking for something?

[philosophe]

That is quite apt, yes. [That's alright, Enjolras is hard to describe, unless you're given to Grantaire-ish flights of fancy.]

--Ah, well...[He shrugs a bit.] I lost my glasses prior to my arrival here, and I have not had a chance to replace them. It is no great matter.

[spacehipster]

Well, if you need help doing so, I've got a pair of frames that would probably work just fine.

[ the advantages of shoving everything you find and/or care about in your magic pockets. ]

[philosophe]

Ah, thank you for the offer. [There's a bit of a crooked grin.] I am relatively certain mine became casualties of the paving stones of Paris.

[spacehipster]

Do consider taking me up on it. I like to fix things. [ a small smile, then his tone takes on a more serious, albeit neutral quality. ] A casualty of the paving stones or the revolution or both?

[philosophe]

I shall, if I might do something as compensation. [A bit of a pause, before -- yes, he's talked to Enjolras, that would do it.]

Both, I am afraid.

[spacehipster]

I thought as much. So young and already so very brave. [ spoken more to himself than Combeferre, and that's the extent of his comments on the matter. ]

Anyway, feel free to do whatever you like. I'm rather fond of good company, if you're so inclined. Being brilliant gets a tad boring when no one's 'round to appreciate it — although I hear you might be busy, so don't feel obligated.

[ because Grantaire said Enjolras was up to something, and students who have banded together before are likely to do it again. ]

[philosophe]

Ah, so am I! [There's another bright smile, eyes shining. He can't help but get excited at everything new here, none of the novelty has worn off yet.] As are my friends, I might add, should you ever care to join us in the cafe we have adopted. It is not terribly far from our lodgings.

[They're always up to something, but nothing concrete yet.]

[spacehipster]

I'm not planning on staying here for long, but I'm sure I could find time to pop in before I leave. [ captain cocksure right here. ] What's your lot's thing then? Your common interest? Is it simply your shared experiences?

[philosophe]

Ah -- well, as you have earlier surmised, we all fought for a French republic at home. But in truth it is most anything, we have all been friends for some years now.

[spacehipster]

Then what are your passions, Combeferre? Education, history, art, mumblety-peg? Where does your heart lie?

[philosophe]

[A little laugh.] You would do well to tread carefully, monsieur, I daresay I could go on for hours. I am passionate about most everything, in all honesty. Physics, art, medicine, moths, equality, education -- progress. It is a good, solid thing, I think; mankind is ever improving and progressing, is it not?

[spacehipster]

I suppose that's something we have in common, then. [ he rubs his hands together. ]

And, most definitely. Always and forever. I could talk for centuries about it — about all the specific, incredible instances of that being true. Oh, you should see the New Roman Empire. Much better than the old one. Ten times as friendly and a good bit less inclined to feeding me to lions. Still a bit bonkers, but man. You know they not only survived, but recovered fully from a hell-ish bout of solar flares? Brilliant. If Rome rising again, better than ever before, isn't human progress at its finest, then I don't know what is.

[philosophe]

[Wow, the fanboy glee on his face should be pretty apparent right now. He's alternately gaping and being tempted to run around flailing a little bit because this gentleman has been to Rome what.]

You've been to the Roman Empire? I -- do not know what to say, except that you simply must tell me about it! And about those instances -- perhaps here, I can convince Enjolras of the right of progress as opposed to armed revolt... [Don't mind him, he's kind of trailing off into his own musings. He does that sometimes.]

[spacehipster]

[ oh, man, the doctor is practically luminescent. someone wants to hear his stories and discuss the merits of the right of progress, rather than armed revolt. rory, amy: you're fired. the doctor has found his new favorite. ]

Loads of times at different points in time. I've seen her birth, her fall, the reign of Caesar, the split of the empire — oh, Combeferre, we've got so much to talk about. You'll have to narrow down the topic, or I won't know where to start.

[philosophe]

[He loves stories; he loves progress, clearly this is a friendship that is meant to be. Enjolras might have competition now. He laughs a little and shakes his head.]

I cannot choose from something like that; I am certain I would love to hear anything and everything you wish to tell me.

[spacehipster]

All right then. [ he claps his hands. ] I'll narrow it down a bit — you've got two options, Combeferre.

Option one: a true, fairy-tale about the bravest Roman I've ever had the honour of knowing.

Option two: Me versus Emperor Nero. [ a nostalgic grin. ] Lots of fire involved in that one.

[philosophe]

[He looks torn for a moment, debating the merits of hearing both, but then:]

The one with Emperor Nero, I think. Though how can a fairy-tale be true?