[Video]

[championoftime]

[Public]

[He appears on the screen, holding a squirmy mongoose. That terrible jester marionette of his? Still sitting on the back of his couch. He's hesitant because he knows what's been going on, and there's some potentially terrible things that he could be admitting about himself right now. So he's going to try really hard not to!] Harper! This is actually your pet. I'm duty bound to return it to you... I have no idea what it's name is.

[And a pause. Okay! Let's go with-] I know how to play the spoons!

[Really?

That's it?

He sighs in relief.] I was worried for a moment that I was going to say something considerably worse! [He ignores the mongoose considering a voyage down his pullover.] Such as the fact I know I'm the most problematic, repugnant, and unpleasant of the lot of me and I'd been better off not even having gone through this regeneration.

[Wait.] Ignore that bit. [He makes a pissy huff and cuts the feed.]

Comments

[Private]

[collector]

I can only imagine.

He's really very protective of Rassilon. I'm surprised he didn't chew me out for mentioning planetary destruction in the Lord High President's presence.

[Private]

[championoftime]

He's not said anything to you? [That's odd.]

[Private]

[collector]

He interrogated me briefly on my aesthetics, but no. Not since his original lecture.

[And now for the confession that will only be given to the Doctor.] At times, I feel rather like I'm being wardened by a formerly estranged parent. One who would really rather I didn't call the old man out. After I've moved out and called it quits with the whole family.

[Private]

[championoftime]

I imagine, despite your closed off nature, that Rassilon's mere presence is doing a number on your psyche. And he happens to be best friends with your warden.

Not an environment conducive to healthy growth, but this is a problem for many.

[Private]

[collector]

[eyebrows go up!] A curious allegation. Fortunately, my psyche's state is not your responsibility, Thete.

[Private]

[championoftime]

Of course it is. You're my brother. [Petulant.]

[Private]

[collector]

[Maturely calm.] Your elder brother.

[Private]

[championoftime]

Your point? [That he's ignoring...]

[Private]

[collector]

If you can't work it out, you really are helpless.

[Condescension! The best response to people trying to help you, n'est pas?]

[Private]

[championoftime]

Helpless or hopeless?

[Jackassery, the best way to deal with familial condescension.]

[Private]

[collector]

Helplessly full of hope.

[Wordplay! Just plain fun.]

[Private]

[championoftime]

I prefer to think of it as hopelessly full of help.

[Word baiting with word play is just as fun.]

[Private]

[collector]

You have full less help than one would hope to have in you.

[This is... something. It's a thing.]

[Private]

[championoftime]

I am aware of that. But I'm unhelpfully hopelessly hopeful that way.

[This is why Time Lords needed new genes to circle in the looms.]

[Private]

[collector]

Unhelpful hopeless hopefulness is hopefully helpful to a helpless few.

[Poor Rhade, but there's no way Brax would leave this sort of behaviour out of the code.]

You're always popping up in my historical records. If anybody can take measure of what you have helped and what you have hindered, it would be me.

[Private]

[championoftime]

A helpless few that still need hope.

[It's a pity Narvin can't be drawn into this sort of discussion without being huffy.]

I am something of a memorable pest. But that won't stop me from being concerned for you and keeping your feet warm.

[Private]

[collector]

I can't imagine it would. You've never been good at keeping jars sealed.