When we die, all of our memories are transferred into a new form. Our core ideals and our identity. Sometimes, as in the case of my brother, we can control the regeneration so that there's hardly a difference.

If it's under traumatic circumstances, however, we practically become another person. The Doctor with the scarf? He used to be me. I came here as I was about to regenerate.

[He's just straightened everything out for her. Maybe he- well, maybe he shouldn't talk about it. Not for his benefit, for hers.] You know, I believe I'd like a drink.

[She focuses on what he seems to be venturing at and her eyes go wide with worry.] Doctor...we go through something somewhat similar when we die. Except we don't change outwardly. Instead our bodies heal and our powers grow stronger.

But we still have to avoid it because...it disrupts things. Upsets people. It's not so wonderful for us mentally, especially if we make a big change like that in the middle of having to handle some nastiness.

[She blinks at the suggestion but...he has a point. This is heavy and scary and would be supported best with some tequila.] All right then.

It's... it's a very long story.

[One involving terrible acts, things that his older selves did that he desperately wants to escape. His entire reason for being here. He wants to be his own man, to be separate from what he'll become.

But is it so much a part of him that he can't escape it?

He offers his arm.] I'd like to learn more about what happens to yours, anyway.

All right. I'm just a little worried, but I won't be too terribly nosy about it.

[She takes his arm after a moment's hesitation.]

When we die our minds project into the future and we visit with our Ascended Selves. The people we are going to be when we perfect our power and our insight. They teach us something and we come back with more of the Package unwrapped.

[He focuses on what she's talking about. It's easier.] Ascension? That's something that my people are capable of.

[Something he's almost done.]

How close are you?

I...

[She chews her lip again.] I'm closer than the others but I think I need to die a few more times first. It is a little like reincarnation but we do it all in one body.

I don't want to go too fast if there's any other way of helping Britain. I would like to stay and teach people. If I become my Higher Self I can only reach back to the me I am now. I can't act easily on my own.