Because.

Subject: Because.
Author: The Aviator
Posted on: 2015-12-09 16:19:00 UTC

I've been sent into the Whoniverse all of one time since my return to HQ; bit difficult to defend it when you're not sent into missions there. This way, I might be able to make a difference.

As for the Notary, she does that to everyone. I'll just do what they do and ignore her.

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Wednesday Pluggage: Morgan responds to Doctor Who. by Huinesoron on 2015-12-09 13:29:00 UTC Reply

Yes, Morgan (Time Lord, DMS; Tigereye Castellan, Continuity Council of Gallifrey-in-Exile) has now seen the final episode of Doctor Who Series 9.

And she's not happy.

The following brief reaction contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the entire episode. Consider yourselves warned.

Morgan's Rant

(I have no objection to people using this thread to discuss the episode itself. Just, again, make sure spoilers are marked!)

hS

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*sets up research for Disentanger the Mini-Agent* (nm) by Hardric on 2015-12-09 18:29:00 UTC Reply
To the Continuity Council: [SPOILERS INSIDE] by The Aviator on 2015-12-09 15:17:00 UTC Reply

In light of Gallifrey’s return, I would like to respectfully request a position on the Continuity Council. The finale has left the canon Gallifrey vulnerable to badfic contamination once more; fanfiction involving our home planet will become all too common, and someone will have to monitor how the fandom treats it. I propose that someone to be me. I know how a fanwriter’s mind works; therefore I am reasonably confident I will be able to predict fanfiction trends regarding our home and prepare accordingly.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Respectfully yours,

The Aviator

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Ugh, so much for democracy. by Tigereye Castellan Morgan on 2015-12-14 09:10:00 UTC Reply

So that's one 'yes, but I still hate her', one 'I can't even be bothered to show up, let alone have an opinion' (but thank you, Agent Desdendelle, for passing that along), one 'do not go to the Reader for counsel, for she will ask lots of questions and never give an actual answer', and three 'we're too busy playing Circular Gallifreyan Scrabble in the corner'.

The Fisherman: It's actually a really interesting game.

I just bet. With voting an unqualified failure, I'm just going to make a decision and you can all live with it: yes. Yes, Aviator, you can join the Continuity Council of Gallifrey-in-Exile, as the poor soul responsible for watching fandom warp our homeworld further and further out of shape. You can come to meetings and watch Yellow and Grey hash out the Time War for the nine-millionth time. You can wear the daftest collar this side of Elizabethan England, in the sound knowledge that the rest of the Council feel just as ridiculous.

So there we go. Let's have a resounding triple-word-score on 'meh, who cares?' for our new Moonstone Browser, or Sentry, or Sentinel, or whatever you want to call yourself. Yay.

I need a drink.

(M)

((Circular Gallifreyan Scrabble sounds pretty awesome, actually. I'm going to end up making it before this day is out... ~hS))

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I... wow. by The Aviator on 2015-12-14 13:02:00 UTC Reply

Alright then. Thank you, Morgan, and I suppose Notary?

That was at once both incredibly over- and underwhelming.

...anyway, I promise I won't let you down.

–The Aviator, Moonstone Sentry of the Continuity Council of Gallifrey-in-Exile
I was right. I was incredibly right. by Huinesoron on 2015-12-14 12:11:00 UTC Reply

Circular Gallifreyan Scrabble

A tiny portion of a game in progress.

Circular Gallifreyan Scrabble uses the Circular Gallifreyan writing system. It is played on a hexagon-based grid of interlocking circles, using a set of twelve transparent tiles.

-Five of the tiles are triangular, covering the intersection of three circles. Four of the five tiles show the circles/portions thereof which make up the basis of Circular Gallifreyan. Each 'base' tile has a set of holes in it (marked in red), to allow the insertion of...

-The other seven tiles, which are small and circular. Two of these show the vowel symbol (one with a line, one without); the other five show the consonant modifiers used in CG.

Play is similar to normal scrabble, but, er, harder. ^_^ Circular tiles are not able to overlap, so there is a tactical element to their placement - should a three-dot modifier to turn a T into a R be placed on the edge of the arc, allowing the other circles using that tile to be modified separately (but only leaving space for an 'A' vowel), or in the centre, locking all three circles to use 'T', but giving them freedom to choose their vowels?

According to the most common ruleset used in HQ, any circle with two or more modification tiles in it must form a word. A circle which is only affected by triangular tiles, or by only one modifier, can be gibberish or a partial word. (And yes, there are hardcore players who say any tile in a circle means it has to make a word. Of course there are.)

Since Circular Gallifreyan is a writing system, not a language, the game can be played in any tongue. Among HQ's fans of the game, it is considered to be easiest when played in either Quenya (since the written form of that tongue traditionally leaves out the sign for 'A', the most common vowel, and the most inconvenient one in CGS), or in the various languages which traditionally do not write their vowels. (Some, of course, consider this to be cheating.)

And did I mention it's ridiculous? Because it's super ridiculous.

hS

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Okay, I need to get a whittling knife and some wood. by Iximaz on 2015-12-14 12:55:00 UTC Reply

Because that looks really freaking amazing and I want to play it. :D

I know, right?! by Huinesoron on 2015-12-14 13:15:00 UTC Reply

Though I think it's probably impossible to actually play...

Hrm. I could probably run a demo game on the Other Board - probably with infinite tiles, since it's the first run. With a properly labelled-up board and pieces (and me making a new image each time someone has a turn), it should be workable. Interested? We could either score it purely based on 'number of letters in each word you modify on your turn', or keep it unscored and let people drop in and out.

(Obviously I'd need to concreteize the rules a bit more first...)

hS

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We'd just have to go the... by Iximaz on 2015-12-14 13:27:00 UTC Reply

...bad kanji tattoo route: just substitute cool-looking circles for various letters until you get a full alphabet.

That would kinda be a totally different game. ^_~ (nm) by Huinesoron on 2015-12-14 13:37:00 UTC Reply

Well, it's not like we have... by Iximaz on 2015-12-14 13:45:00 UTC Reply

...a full Gallifreyan alphabet otherwise.

Unless you count this fan-made one.

You missed the link, didn't you? by Huinesoron on 2015-12-14 13:51:00 UTC Reply

Yeah, CGS is based on Circular Gallifreyan. Which is what I used (for instance) on the banner I use for Continuity Council stories:

(It reads anticlockwise from the bottom, 'KoNTiNuITY'. Of course.)

hS

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Oh, whoops, I did. by Iximaz on 2015-12-14 13:54:00 UTC Reply

~~give me a break my mom just woke me up for no reason and I'm sleepy~~

^^;

If you want to play a round... by Huinesoron on 2015-12-14 15:55:00 UTC Reply

... there's a thread on the Other Board.

hS

Are you sure about this? by The Reader on 2015-12-10 23:32:00 UTC Reply

While a fanfiction trends monitor does seem to fit well with the extant Council positions--are you sure you want to do this? It's an extra responsibility, it's driven just about all of us to drink--to the point that we've installed a mini-bar--and we aren't all, shall we say, people people. Moreover, this is a good deal closer to politics than it is to piloting, and, to my knowledge, your main interest has always been in the latter. So, although I commend your initiative and respect your qualifications, I have to ask (a) if you're absolutely sure about adding this commitment, and (b) what your motivations are, as this is certainly not the only way you can make a different--assignment to the Doctor Who division of the DMS would likely accomplish it as well.

Also, a warning: this job is full of paperwork. Full of it. You may wish to take that into account.

-R

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Absolutely certain. by The Aviator on 2015-12-10 23:38:00 UTC Reply

I'm perfectly aware of what goes on in these Council meetings, and trust me, I've already got reason enough to drink; one more won't make a difference.

My interests? Come on, I've hardly had the time to figure out what I do and don't like. Don't make assumptions based off my last regeneration.

As for making a difference—bit hard to make much of a difference when your comings and goings to the Whoniverse are extremely limited by the Flowers. I've been back there all of one time since returning, and that was on probation. At least this way I'll be able to do something.

Did Emiran put you up to this?

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Oh, I get it. by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-10 23:58:00 UTC Reply

You're looking for approval and acceptance from the other HQ Time Lords.

How old are you again? I thought you weren't a teenager anymore.

-E

Wow. Wow. by The Aviator on 2015-12-11 00:03:00 UTC Reply

Mature, Emiran. Real mature.

Thanks for the insult, I appreciate it.

Ah, that's it, isn't it? by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-11 00:25:00 UTC Reply

As the terrans say: "Bingo".

Look-- there are better ways to serve Gallifrey than to play politician. I can guarantee you that this will be a huge waste of time for you.

-E

That's your own internal biases on show. by Notary on 2015-12-11 03:40:00 UTC Reply

Any problem that can't be solved by you waving a gun around is one you don't consider worth solving. Yes, any position on the ConCounOfGaInEx would be a waste of your valueless time, and ours; you simply don't possess the mindset for a Council position. Dives does.

Both these things are cause for celebration.

Ooh, right in the hearts. by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-11 03:50:00 UTC Reply

You always knew how to hurt my feelings, Antrilovorasilendar. Look, I think I might've even cried a little. :'(

Anyways, I don't know why you're suddenly oh-so accepting of Arin now but I strongly suspect this is a move to get on her good side and use it as leverage for something.

You see, Arin? The political maneuvering is staring-- and you haven't even joined yet. Is this really the game you want to play?

-E

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You know I know how to hurt you. by Notary on 2015-12-11 05:50:00 UTC Reply

I've done it before and I am more than willing to do it again, should my irritation with you increase beyond a certain point. I monitored you when you were scurrying to DoSAT looking for your little penlight. You seemed rather distressed. Right now though? You only merit the most casual of dismissals. Note that your paperwork, such as it is, is unmolested. Note that everything you need arrives. The exact opposite can be true, and will be true, if you do not cease from your pathetic, antagonistic behaviour towards your fellow Time Lord. Your ire is a direct result of her decision to move away from your direct sphere of influence and into a social group where you cannot affect her. Speaking from experience with pettiness of this stripe? This is not the hill you want to die on. Take that your surrogate for a meaningful familial relationship has moved outside your control on the chin and, if you want to, figure out a way to do something about it that gets you what you want. I'd like to say that you're capable of something subtle enough to get your exact desired outcome, but if I may quote from one of my colleague's favourite fandoms?

I must not tell lies.

You have lost this time, Guardsman. You don't get to have your attempt at a daughter. I look forward to your attempt to do something about it.

Do pass on my regards to the tin opener and the woman in the gimp suit. It must be nice to have such scintillating conversation partners.

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"What did she call me?" by SeaTurtle on 2015-12-11 15:35:00 UTC Reply

Naya squinted at the email message. "What exactly is a 'gimp suit'?"

The quarian and her partner were side-by-side at the workbench, replacing damaged circuitry in Terabyte's robotic body. The Guardsman's laser screwdriver was balanced on top a roll of duct tape and was currently projecting the contents of his email inbox on the wall. The geth, currently loaded in Naya's suit computers, briefly used her environmental suit's loudspeakers to reply. "It is a form-fitting piece of clothing for use during BDSM sex acts," it said matter-of-factly.

"Oh." Naya looked down at her suit. "Ick. Thanks for the mental image."

"You're welcome."

"Shaddap." Naya turned to her partner, who hadn't stopped working. "What are you gonna do about this?"

The Time Lord carefully used a pair of tweezers to rearrange a stray wire. "Nothing, really. This sort of thing used to make me mad, but now it's... eh. It takes two to tango and I don't feel like dancing anymore. Even if she messes with our requisition forms, it's not like the PPC's grey market doesn't exist. With the added security stuff I've slapped on my screwdriver and the DIA reforms, our gear won't suddenly be confiscated from us. We're staserproof."

"I meant about Arin, you moron," said Naya impatiently. "Look, okay, I get it. You're bang on the money about her issues, but you didn't need to be a tool about it."

"You should apologize," added Terabyte. "It won't do to let this fester."

"No, it won't," said the Guardsman wearily, setting down his tweezers and examining his handiwork with a magnifying glass and a flashlight. "But I think I'm gonna step back from this for a few hours and come back with a clear head. I don't want to say anything that could worsen the situation." He put away the magnifying glass and picked up a multimeter. "Might go to Rudi's. I promised Lord Wymbourne and Commander McCandless a beer for their help earlier today."

"So long as you're gonna do something about it..." said Naya, turning back to her work.

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Have you not considered that maybe... by The Aviator on 2015-12-11 04:03:00 UTC Reply

...your determination to dissuade me from joining the Council is a form of political maneuvering of your own?

As for what the Notary is up to, I'm flattered you think me so stupid as to not suspect she's up to something. Warms my hearts, don't you know.

Oh, so much paranoia. by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-11 04:29:00 UTC Reply

I'm not sure if you actually like thinking that everything is a trap or a hidden insult, but you really need to take a breather here and examine the situation.

Despite never having any prior interest in politics, you suddenly decide to join the Continuity Council.

You claim that this might be a new facet of yours but really-- I know you're not the sit-down-and-push-papers type. No, there's something else behind it.

You really, really want to be part of the one club in HQ that is exclusively filled with Time Lords. Sure, you say the defence of Gallifrey is one of your priorities but that's... well, the PPC's mandate covers that. You've struggled with your identity for as long as you've been transformed into a Time Lord. To find a place among other Gallifreyans-- this is what it's really about, is it?

-E

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Paranoia kept me alive, thanks. by The Aviator on 2015-12-11 04:39:00 UTC Reply

And while no, I'm not the most fond of having to fill out paperwork, it's not exactly a foreign concept to me—I was a captain, remember?—and when you're not able to go out into the field, you make do with what you have.

And I'll thank you to stop treating me like I'm some pathetic teenager who's so desperate for acknowledgement she'll throw herself into the worst possible situations just to impress others. Allow me to break it down for you:

I. Am. Not. A. Child. Anymore.

You've got to stop thinking of me as the kid you met. And that is all I'll say to you on this matter.

[Emiranlanoamar is now blocked.]

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[BLOCKED MESSAGE, CLICK TO VIEW] by [SENDER BLOCKED] on 2015-12-11 04:43:00 UTC Reply

I knew it.

-E

[MESSAGE SENT TO BLOCKED RECIPIENT] by The Aviator on 2015-12-11 04:51:00 UTC Reply

I'll unblock you when you apologize. Stop spamming my inbox with gloating.

He did not. by The Reader on 2015-12-10 23:53:00 UTC Reply

As a member of this Council, I am expected to vote, or at least give my opinion; I would prefer to know more before I do so.

With respect to your interests, I am not merely assuming based on your last regeneration. I am making assumptions based on your first self, your second self, and your current self. You were a TARDIS pilot even after regenerating; you are still very attached to the TARDIS that left HQ with you. Your first self, by your own admission, was in love with the idea of even seeing a TARDIS; your second self loved to fly, as I recall quite clearly. And the only interest you ever, to my knowledge, showed in politics was expressed as a joke. If your interests have changed so drastically--I have seen and heard no sign of it until now. I work with the knowledge I have, Aviator.

Re: making a difference--again, requesting a transfer to the DMS' Doctor Who division is an option, is it not? If you've tried it, please tell me; if not, please tell me why you've chosen to pursue this option without trying it first.

In addition, I ask that you remember that while Emiranlanoamar is a dear friend, he does not control my actions, especially with regard to Council matters. I hold two positions on this Council; I speak to you now mainly from that perspective.

-R

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Fair enough for your points. by The Aviator on 2015-12-10 23:57:00 UTC Reply

As for requesting a transfer—do you not think I've tried that?

"Listen, I was wondering if I could transfer to Doctor—"

No.

So yeah, I'm going for the next best option, thanks.

Oh dear. by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-09 16:06:00 UTC Reply

I sure hope you know what you're doing, Arin. Personally, I would advise against joining because, well, they don't do much. Surely there are better ways to spend your time, eh?

-E

I know perfectly well what I'm doing, thanks. by The Aviator on 2015-12-09 16:09:00 UTC Reply

I'm four hundred and fifty-three years old; I'll spend my time however I damn well please.

I'd just like to point out... by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-09 16:14:00 UTC Reply

...that your current job description already covers defending Gallifrey from Suvian contamination. I don't see why you need to join the official social club to validate that.

Plus, she is there. Do you really feel like being verbally abused every day?

Because. by The Aviator on 2015-12-09 16:19:00 UTC Reply

I've been sent into the Whoniverse all of one time since my return to HQ; bit difficult to defend it when you're not sent into missions there. This way, I might be able to make a difference.

As for the Notary, she does that to everyone. I'll just do what they do and ignore her.

You, uh... by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-09 16:29:00 UTC Reply

I have the official descriptions of each position on the Council here, and it mostly involves sitting around at a desk and doing administrative work for the Whoniverse.

As in: "not field work".

You do know that, right?

Typical Grunt, thinking with his gun. by Spinel Promotor Notary of the etc. on 2015-12-09 16:53:00 UTC Reply

When, that is, you think at all. If you wish to be informed as to the ConCounOfGaInEx's full remit, duties, and responsibilities to the defence of Whoniverse canon, I have a 792-page document I will be only too happy to familiarize you with over the course of several mandatory seminars. There will be tests.

I'll pass. by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-09 18:44:00 UTC Reply

No, I'm already convinced. My eyes are open. I'm sure the Homeworld will be kept safe by a few paper-pushers sitting in a room five multiverses over from the Whoniverse.

I just continue to guard the guard-- it's a lot more hands-on and you can see the results for yourself.

-E

I'm well aware of the results things like you get. (nm) by Notary on 2015-12-10 01:50:00 UTC Reply

Hey, DIA foots the Medical bill... by Emiranlanoamar on 2015-12-10 01:58:00 UTC Reply

...and I've mostly sucessfully managed to avoid getting shot in the face up 'till now, so I'm feeling pretty good about myself and the job I do.

Yes, thank you very much. (nm) by The Aviator on 2015-12-09 16:31:00 UTC Reply

Don't we have someone for that? [Also spoilers] by Morgan on 2015-12-09 15:33:00 UTC Reply

The Jade Warden... no, he's looking out for the Laws of Time. The Onyx Monitor? No, she's looking for fictional Time Lords specifically. The Citrine... no, that's only for canon plotholes.

Apparently we don't. ... nor do we have a procedure for admitting new members. I suppose I could argue that it's under my remit as a security issue, but... I'd rather just put it to the vote. Let the Continuity Council offer their opinions. (Notary, please give your view, not a deliberately-contrary opinion in line with your role)

~Morgan, Tige--

-- wait, blast, colours. We've already got a full rainbow, haven't we? I propose that any new member take on either white or octarine as their colour. The only stone known to come in octarine is the, uh, octarine. White could be quartz, or perhaps moonstone?

If the new member were to take on the Aviator's suggested role, a designation such as Moonstone Reader (though that could get tangled up with the Reader) or Quartz Browser might be appropriate.

~Morgan, Tigereye Castellan, Continuity Council

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Apparently I'm a messenger now. [spoilers] by Agent Desdendelle on 2015-12-11 02:12:00 UTC Reply

Yeah, Librarian's kinda busy. His reaction to this proposal can be described as a resounding 'meh'. I don't think he cares either way.
~Agent Des
Loathe as I am to admit it... by Spinel Promotor Notary of the ConCounOfGaInEx on 2015-12-09 15:45:00 UTC Reply

Dives has as much right to be on this Council as anyone else. She is a Time Lord, though she came about it by accident, and she has journeyed to, if not the Homeworld, then at least a Homeworld. If we are to disbar those of us who did not come from a canonical universe, then the Citrine Theorist's position must be filled by someone else. She is one of us, and ought be treated as such; after all, we are but few.

Thus, I vote yes.

However, Dives, I still don't actually like you. Don't take this as meaning your presence amongst trueborn Gallifreyans is anything other than tolerated.

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Oh, no, the Notary doesn't like someone. (nm) by The Disentangler. on 2015-12-09 15:49:00 UTC Reply

There are people I like. They're just not here. Or you. (nm) by Spinel Promotor Notary of the ConCounOfGaInEx on 2015-12-09 15:52:00 UTC Reply

Aww, really? I feel so sorry for them. (nm) by The Disentangler on 2015-12-09 15:53:00 UTC Reply

Not as sorry as I feel for a grubby little renegade. (nm) by Spinel Promotor Notary of the ConCounOfGaInEx on 2015-12-09 15:55:00 UTC Reply

Hey! The Doctor's not that little. by The Disentangler on 2015-12-09 16:00:00 UTC Reply

The Agent: I think she was talking about you.

Can't have been. I bathe regularly.

Dis

Whether you need to or not. (nm) by Spinel Promotor Notary of the ConCounOfGaInEx on 2015-12-09 16:01:00 UTC Reply

Blue, Grey, drop it. This is a council, not a sitcom. by Morgan on 2015-12-09 16:04:00 UTC Reply

((Yeah, apparently this is an actual meeting. Go figure. ^_^ ~ hS))

I don't watch sitcoms, so I'll have to take your word for it (nm by Spinel Promotor Notary of the ConCounOfGaInEx on 2015-12-09 16:13:00 UTC Reply

Funny you should say moonstone by Iximaz on 2015-12-09 15:39:00 UTC Reply

Did you pull that from here or come up with it on your own? XD

Snerk. by Huinesoron on 2015-12-09 15:44:00 UTC Reply

No, I didn't get it from there. I ran down a list of gem/semi-precious stones, looking for the white ones. But I did it while colour-blind, so the only one I flagged was moonstone - and that only for its name.

Howlite is another possibility, I guess?

(Since I don't think Lily's around any more, did Rina ever have any contact with Dis or the Agent? I may end up having to cast their votes, if someone else doesn't do it first.)

hS

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Lily could be prodded on gchat or Tumblr. by DawnFire on 2015-12-09 15:53:00 UTC Reply

I don't know what she'd have to say about this, since I doubt she's been keeping up with the PPC storylines, but she can be contacted.

~DF

I suppose. by Huinesoron on 2015-12-09 15:59:00 UTC Reply

It depends on whether she's actually wandered away from the PPC, or just on extended leave. It would be a bit silly to bug someone who doesn't care at all any more.

We'll see what happens. (Oh, and is Fish Custard still around? I don't think I've seen him in ages...)

hS

I...have no idea. by DawnFire on 2015-12-09 16:05:00 UTC Reply

I do know that she's been doing this giant Hobbit liveblogging project on Tumblr, but it is possible she's still interested--I'm pretty sure she was a while back, though I could be misremembering.

Anyway, if it becomes necessary, she *can* be reached.

~DF
Fish Custard's not, but his email's on the Wiki. (nm) by Iximaz on 2015-12-09 16:00:00 UTC Reply

But if he's not here any more... by Huinesoron on 2015-12-09 16:02:00 UTC Reply

... then it would be a bit strange to ask his opinion about characters he's not interested in any more.

'tis why I generally don't like emailling people who aren't around.

(Note that I'm not proposing to adopt any of the three Council members affected by this; I'm quite happy to let them stay silent.)

hS

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She did, but... by Iximaz on 2015-12-09 15:47:00 UTC Reply

...the majority of that contact was todder!her clinging to the Agent's neck and biting him.

Oh yeah that thing. by Huinesoron on 2015-12-09 15:50:00 UTC Reply

Well, I'll leave them out (of the voting - I'm borrowing Dis to snark at people, since Morgan's got her formal ~~hat~~ collar on) unless we need a tie breaker. (Also, I'm sort of assuming you, Des, Dawn, and Scape all want the Aviator to actually get the post, even if their characters vote against? Is that fair to say?)

hS

I don't mind if she gets it :) by DawnFire on 2015-12-09 15:56:00 UTC Reply

I am kind of curious what the Reader would say, though, because I'm really not sure off the top of my head. I'll have to think.

Personally, though, I don't object--but neither do I feel that she absolutely has to get it or everything is ruined! So yeah.

~DF
*shrugs* by Iximaz on 2015-12-09 15:53:00 UTC Reply

I think it would be neat, but either way I'm not too fussed. This is more Ave testing the waters to see if she's accepted by the others. :P

(Des is currently debating on what to write because the Librarian's reaction would have spoilers for a few pieces that haven't been released yet.)

Dear Dives: Go away. Yrs., The Notary. (nm) by Scapegrace on 2015-12-09 15:21:00 UTC Reply

I respectfully disagree by Scapegrace on 2015-12-09 14:29:00 UTC Reply

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

---

HELL BENT SUCKED.

Yes, it's a well-made piece of television. Yes, Gallifrey is back and it looks amazing. Yes, we got to learn a bit more about the Matrix and how it works. Yes, a biological-sex-switching regeneration is something I've been waiting for (and been hideously jealous of) for a damned long time. But Hell Bent SUUUUUUUUCKED. And you know why it sucked?

Because all the good stuff, all the stuff Steven Moffat put in that I really did genuinely like, all the excitement I had after Heaven Sent...

It's all in service to CLARA. BLOODY. OSWALD.

Let me make one thing clear: I loathe this character, but I never used to. I liked Clara at first. I thought the Impossible Girl stuff was kind of interesting, though hideously overwrought by the end. But we said goodbye already this season, when she faced the raven, and it was poignant and touching and a really good end for the character because, well, she snapped and she got herself killed. It's pretty rare that we see a companion die on screen, and the fact that the Doctor was powerless to help her from a few feet away, well, it was good television.

And then along comes Hell Bent and makes it all totally superfluous because she's off in a flying Fifties themed restaurant with The One And Only Me and the Doctor pulled a gun and shot someone in the chest because of her. The Doctor broke every rule he had because of her. The Hybrid arc has gone the way of the Great Intelligence (hey, remember him?) because of her. Because everything, everything, has to be about Clara bloody Oswald and I'm sick of her. Sick to the back teeth.

Canon Sue I name thee. Get thee from my Doctor Who and stay thee gone.

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Mostly agree with Scapegrace. by Iximaz on 2015-12-09 15:12:00 UTC Reply

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Look at these trailers. They promised us Gallifrey. They promised us Time Lords.

Instead we got Clara.

Now, I actually kind-of sort-of liked Clara. I loved her when she was introduced, but as time went on, she became kind of 'meh' for me, just an okay character who was starting to overstay her welcome, so to speak. I raged over her in "Dark Water" and "Death in Heaven", but for the majority of Series 9 she was actually starting to get some halfway decent character development, so she started to grow on me once more. When "Face the Raven" came along, I was genuinely sad and actually cried to see her go, because it felt like the perfect send-off for her, storywise. She'd been becoming more and more like the Doctor as time goes on, and it finally caught up to her. Her death was brutal, and it was heartbreaking, and it was sad.

So of course Moffat had to make the grand finale about his Creator's Pet. *siiigh* And not only that, but he had to recycle Donna's send-off because... why? The Doctor still remembers Clara (in a way), Clara remembers him, and time still hasn't torn itself apart because they remember each other. Why couldn't they have simply said farewell to each other?

And, well, Clara's being horribly irresponsible gallivanting around the universe like she is. Accidents can happen; what if something happens to her before she can return to Gallifrey and be put back to the time of her death? You can kiss the universe good-bye. (Ignore the fact that we see she does, in face, die in FtR, this is merely a hypothetical pointing this out. Plus, as the Doctor likes to say, time can be rewritten.)

The first fifteen minutes or so I adored the first time 'round, and then kind of broke a little bit when I realized the Doctor's actions were all done for Clara. He didn't banish Rassilon and the High Council because of their war crimes; he banished them because they would get in his way of getting Clara back. Ugh. Just... ugh.

Rassilon: Tries to destroy time. Gets banished.
The General: Tries to keep the Doctor from destroying time. Gets shot in the face.

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Look at all that stuff I agree with! by Seafarer on 2015-12-09 21:10:00 UTC Reply

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I liked Clara when she was a mystery. I liked the way that mystery was solved. I didn't like how she was saved from the white glowing thing, but I don't expect to like everything.
I liked her in series 8, because she had a reason to be more in the spotlight - the Doctor was being kind of a twit. Dark Water was great, because she didn't totally control the story (and she was obviously in the wrong trying to manipulate the Doctor).
I came late to series 9 - I started with the Zygon story - but she seemed decent there. Until Face the Raven. By the end of that I was screaming 'hurry up and die already!'. Heaven Sent was fantastic.
When I first saw Clara in Hell Bent, I assumed the Doctor had gone and found one of the duplicate Claras as a way of saying a final goodbye to her, having dealt with the Time Lords who he blamed for taking her from him. And then the reality made me facepalm hard.
And after Dark Water / Death in Heaven was my favourite season finale since Tennant's tenure...
(Oh, but I did like the very end: *snap* *door closes*)

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My thoughts exactly! by Matt Cipher on 2015-12-09 21:32:00 UTC Reply

I, too,... oh, wait... *ekhm* Summon the Spoiler Wall!

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I, too, thought that the Clara in that bar was just another Splinter in the Doctor's timeline! Then the first part (on Gallifrey) started, and it was fantastic! The Woman (AKA Doctor's mum. She was also in The End of Time but played by a different actress), the General basically f-bombing Lord President, Rassilon (wow, the millenia weren't graceful for him), the Prioress from Karn! That was bloody brilliant!

And then... the Extraction Chamber scene happened, and the Doctor basically said 'Clara > All Reality'. That was bad. She had a good finish in FtR, and a cameo in Heaven Sent. Her story should've been completely over. Instead, she becomes immortal and goes off doing some completely-not-hinted-to-return things with The One And Only Me (whom I also find unnecessary, and only liked her two 'versions': Ashildr and The Last Woman in the Universe).

So, yeah, the good part - Gallifrey returns, Rassilon is banished (with a possibility of returning as a future villain. Maybe a team-up with Missy and the Daleks? Again...), and the Doctor finally let Clara go.

The bad part - the entire plot is again revolving around Clara. Also, the Doctor gets not-so-completely Donna Noble'd.

Btw. do you guys think that is was Ashildr/Me knock-knock-knocking on TARDIS's door in Listen?

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You are entitled to do so. by Huinesoron on 2015-12-09 14:50:00 UTC Reply

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I disagree with your disagreement, because, well, I don't loathe Clara. I think she had a rough first half-season, with the Impossible Girl arc being badly handled, but after that she turned into a character I think did something new, with her job and such. (I am curious to know why you dislike her so much; I don't think you actually said.)

And then... you say 'she snapped' in Face the Raven, but she's been snapping all season: it's been all about how she's becoming more like the Doctor, but without the Doctor's experience of... being the Doctor. (Come to think of it, her first reaction after Danny Pink died was to a) steal the TARDIS and b) claim to be the Doctor. Woman has issues.) It was always going to lead to Something Bad - the Raven just happened to be the lucky one.

The Doctor didn't have his latest meltdown because he lost Clara - he had it because he lost anyone. He does that. Adric's name was the last thing Five ever said. Five, Nine, and Ten all died because they sacrificed their own lives to save someone else's.

Nor did he break 'every rule he had'. He shot someone, yes, and that did feel shoved in just for the regeneration (seriously, Doc, just hit him again) - but come to think of it, the other three people he's pointed guns at were the Master and Rassilon (The End of Time) and Missy (Death in Heaven); he clearly has less problems with shooting Time Lords than other people. Beyond that... he meddled in time to rescue someone. He broke into somewhere and stole a TARDIS. He tried to wipe someone's memory against their will. And, ultimately, he showed that he was willing to sacrifice his own memory - as in, 'a man is the sum of his memories, a Time Lord even more so' - for his companion.

The Doctor did what he has always done: he broke the rules to save a friend, and was willing to pay the price.

hS

PS: In fairness, the two things I think shouldn't have been in there:

-The Doctor shoots the General. Still not sure why this happened, other than they wanted to change the actor.
-The Doctor claims that taking Clara away from Gallifrey will restart her metabolism. What was wrong with 'you're basically in stasis, so we'll have time to sort you out'? (Also, the Quantum Shade was built up last time as being able to catch her anywhere in time and space, so... how would that help?)

hS

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...Sorry. V (nm) by Matt Cipher on 2015-12-09 15:09:00 UTC Reply
I partially agree with both of you by Anonymous on 2015-12-09 15:09:00 UTC Reply

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Like hS, I don't loathe Clara. I actually enjoyed her run ever since the Impossible Girl arc. Like Scape, I think the main plot of Hell Bent - 'Screw Gallifrey, Save Clara' - was unnecessary. She had a good ending in Face the Raven and even if the memory of her in Heaven Sent was in the Doctor's psyche, this memory (something like River for 11th) could be a good 'finale companion' without the actual Clara Prime appearing.

Although I don't like the fact that the Doctor shot the General... Yeah, that one was a no-brainer, I think he said it the best - "I can't be the Doctor all the time."

I also don't think Hell Bent sucked. Sorry, Scape. It was a good finale for this season. Aside from the Clara-revolving plot, though. Learning new things about Gallifrey, seeing the General and the Prioress of Karn... banishing Lord President. This all was good.

Hmm... on the other hand, the new Sonic...

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