open to all~

[thedreamer]

Who: The Doctor & anyone!
What: Open prompts featuring some stubborn idiocy at its finest!
When: April through early May
Where: Lakeside to start, then Milton

Content Warnings: N/A but will update if needed!

Comments

lakeside resort and surroundings —

[thedreamer]

[ Offer a man like the Doctor a new place to explore and you'll be hard-pressed getting him to go anywhere else anytime soon. Any books or journals he finds have to actually be read the normal way, slowly, one page at a time, without his usual ten-seconds-or-less burst. It keeps him occupied, at least, and all that he wants to do is absorb as much as he can about this place they find themselves.

To get everyone home.

As always with him, though, he's a paradoxical mix of silly and serious, with so much lurking beneath the surface. He can bump into you and say — with an overly enthusiastic grin — ]

Did you know they've got bunk beds here? A wonder of human creation, those — beds! With a ladder!

[ Or — later — find you lurking about elsewhere in the resort and more seriously query — ]

Been okay? Bit unpleasant out there lately.

[ Lately, he says, like this isn't all the time. ]

Re: lakeside resort and surroundings —

[lieutenantsteward]

[It's Thomas' first adventure into Lakeside, though it hasn't exactly been a simple matter of moving from one spot to another. Unfortunately, the fog, the threats, everything that plagued him on his journey is enough that by the time he arrives, he's found himself in a foul mood that is rather uncharacteristic of the normally reserved and politely pleasant ex-steward.

He's still got a plan in mind, scavenging here and there for various bits and bobs, anything of note, and ducks into the Camp Office to escape the wind that seems to have picked up.

That chipper voice isn't one that Jopson can recognize right off the bat and he laughs politely, stepping back out of his space.]

Bunk beds? I would have thought them merely - beds.

[thedreamer]

Oh, see, that's where you've gone wrong right from the start — that word, merely. Implication being they're only beds and nothing more when in fact, they're so much more. A bed is a bed, generally a flat surface, serves a function, off you go.

But a bunk bed, now you've got a ladder, now it's an adventure!

[ If it sounds anything like the Doctor would be the sort of bunkmate to stay up all hours chattering away, well, that's not far from the truth.

When he does miraculously pause his words to look over at the newcomer, it will be evident the Doctor was sorting through bits and bobs himself, holding a journal of some kind in his hand. ]

Looking for anything in particular, or just looking? I find going into a new place with no expectations yields the most interesting results. Open mind — never know what you'll find.

[lieutenantsteward]

Adventure, yes. I've had plenty of that, I fear.

[Thomas is the sort who allows others to take the lead, to talk, to guide, to be, while he listens and absorbs. He's the best sort of steward that way, but it makes him a little awkward in conversations, even if he's desperately trying to keep up with this level of cheer.]

I am - scouting. Finding what I can.

[thedreamer]

[ The Doctor is the sort to carry on sometimes blithely in situations where serious conduct would be far more appropriate. There are social graces, rules of etiquette that most humans manage to adhere to at least semi-decently, and then there's...the Doctor, who isn't human and never quite fits the way one would expect and doesn't ever really follow any rules except his own unique ones. He is and always will be strange, by his own admission, but he loves people and enjoys being among them.

This little detour here in this frozen tundra where they find themselves being, of course, not at all his preferred locale for any sort of jaunt. ]

Scouting, adventure — I've had and done plenty of that myself. One thing I've learned, both are better with a buddy along for the journey, wherever it goes. Even if that's just ten paces outside again to a dead end.

[ He smirks a bit, but softens, and suddenly offers his hand. ]

Before we agree on scouting together — [ Yes, sorry, he just assumes these things. ] — I won't forget my manners; I'm the Doctor!

[lieutenantsteward]

[Not a doctor, but The Doctor. A title, a name, something more than simply an occupation. He doesn't think to ask about it - Jopson is never that outright curious with strangers. He can watch and he can learn and it very rarely involves direct questions.]

Thomas Jopson, sir. I'm looking for anything to make some traps. [He holds out a hand for him, respectfully.

He adjusts his pack and smiles, silently accepting the help.]

[thedreamer]

Sir? [ He wrinkles his nose a bit, though there's a slight smirk on his face that gives away any actual offense. ] No, no, that won't do, please, I'll feel older than I already am.

[ He does shake his hand good-naturedly, though, giving him a friendly nod in addition before letting go. ]

Just Doctor. And do you prefer Thomas or Jopson, or whatever I'm feeling in the moment? [ The Doctor starts walking towards the hallway. ] Right? Left? I'm feeling...left today. Left will do us, I've a feeling.

[lieutenantsteward]

[Thomas is a very good follower. He trails behind the Doctor, one hand in his pocket.]

Jopson is just fine.

[He wants to ask what's left, what's that direction, but he's too intrigued by this man to actually ruin the moment by asking. He watches instead.]

[thedreamer]

Jopson! Good, good, I'm glad we've met. Now! On our journey left together.

[ He nods his head in that direction and quite happily leads the way, smiling a little more softly as he speaks over his shoulder and walks. ]

What will the day bring us, I wonder. Well, it's already brought me to you, or you to me, so we're off to a good start. What have you got so far for your traps? Anything at all? What luck if we find a good bit of wire, eh? Unless you've got some.

[lieutenantsteward]

No wire, I'm afraid. Just a bit of yarn I unraveled from a woolen sock.

[He glances behind them, just once, just in case, but presses on, drawn to this enigmatic figure.]

I need something sturdy as a base and some bait. I thought I'd try the lake for that.

[thedreamer]

Clever clogs! Making use of whatever you have on hand. We'll put it to work yet, that yarn.

[ As they walk, the Doctor digs into his trouser pockets, producing a few items — a spoon and a medium-sized, rather shriveled carrot. Shows them both off like he's so clever, though he tucks the spoon back into his pocket and keeps hold of the carrot. ]

I had this in my pocket before I arrived here. In case anyone got hungry, but — likely to be of better use now, perhaps, what do you think?

[ Rather than...letting it continue to shrivel and eventually rot in his pocket. Maybe the lake is a far better idea for bait, after all... ]

[lieutenantsteward]

[It's been a very long time since he's seen a fresh carrot, but even he knows there's something wrong with that one. He blinks at it and then up to the Doctor, waiting for the punchline.

When it doesn't come, he tucks his hair behind his ear and glances to the window.]

We should go out there. That won't be enough.

[Diplomatic as always.]

[thedreamer]

Fine, fine, we'll do it your way, Jopson.

[ He's not, at least, in any way opposed to trying the lake for fresh bait. It was probably the wisest choice from the start. Probably. He'll set the carrot out on the ground for...any strays in need of a nibble. Otherwise, he continues leading the other man down the corridor towards the exit. ]

For your base, you'll want a solid wood board or very large rock of some sort, yes?

[ The Doctor has a lot of vast and extensive knowledge about so very many things, though being dropped in the middle of this world and forced to survive as they are is...newer to him, of course. Probably obvious. It's Jopson's bait trap, though, so rather than barrel in with a multitude of ideas, he's excited to explore with Jopson and collaborate on this trap of his. ]

[lieutenantsteward]

A simple trap would be a container held up with a stick. But I think that may be too simplistic for this. And prone to fail.

[He thinks about it as they venture outside, chewing on his thumbnail. It's remarkable, really, how easily he falls into this thought. How quickly he matches the Doctor's strides, going along with him as if they hadn't met only moments before.]

[maintiensledroit]

Yes, they're very efficient. It's an excellent use of vertical space, particularly when that space is at such a premium as it is here.

[ Fraser is a fan of bunk beds. Also of bedrolls, which are even more efficient. He's carrying one now, tightly rolled and tucked over the pack on his back. ]

...Mostly.

[ Those luxury cabins are far larger than anything he can imagine a single family needing. Almost an entire village could fit into one. ]

You've never seen them before?

[thedreamer]

Oh, I have! Big fan, in fact, though it's been ages. I had them in my ship before, actually!

[ As if this is all the most important information this new-to-him person could ever want and hope to know at the moment. But then he pauses, briefly, squinting an eye as he catches himself on a memory — ]

I thought they were perfectly efficient, though my friends had other ideas. [ Said friends were his beloved Ponds, and oh, what's that feeling, an old achey hearts-squeeze? No, no, perfectly fine, moving on, chatter away a little faster to run right over those feelings — ] Imagine depriving yourself of the simple joy and adventure of climbing quite literally into bed every night. Unless you're a bottom bunk-er, which is perfectly acceptable! You can still have a go at the ladder and climb back down into bed.

[ And with that, he pauses at last and seems to remember his manners and that there's actually another person here, so he sticks out his hand with a smile. ]

I'm the Doctor! And may I call you — I always look forward to this part, by the way. A name, one little mystery unfolding.

[desperate_times_right]

[This is Chloe's first adventure in Lakeside, and while yes she had mostly signed on with March to escape a situation of her own making back in Milton - and to check on Wynonna, of course - that doesn't mean she isn't interested in exploring this new place they have access to.

She smiles at the new interloper, then indicates the healing burn in her face from the fog.]

Had a little mishap as you can see, but doing better now.

[She holds out a hand.] I think I've seen you around Milton, but we haven't officially met. Chloe Frazer.

[thedreamer]

[ The Doctor always tends to be a little bit more excited at new introductions than most people, possibly...anyone. Despite their circumstances — or perhaps more strongly because of their circumstances, he clings just as stubbornly to his more hopeful and optimistic nature.

So, he shakes her hand with a brighter smile. ]

You're absolutely right, we have not met, which is a grand pity we've happily remedied now! Very good to meet you, Chloe Frazer. I'm the Doctor.

[ Softening though, and slightly more serious, he nods to that burn. ] That's not giving you any lingering trouble is it?

[desperate_times_right]

The doctor? There are already a bunch here.

[Whatever. At least someone here is in a good mood.]

Nah, I'm fine, I was only exposed for a few moments. Breathe in a bit more of that mushroom steam, I'll be right as rain.

Stay out of the green fog, by the way.

[thedreamer]

All competent at what they do, I'm very sure, but I'm not a doctor, I'm the Doctor.

[ This surely helps alleviate any confusion... (he thinks). He doesn't realize at times that his explanation hardly helps clear things up, but he does offer — ]

My name! Could do a bit of doctor-ing, though, if you need. Of the everything variety.

And yes, I had a run-in with it a bit back myself. Not the friendliest fog, is it? Not that I want it popping 'round again, but I do hope to study it a bit more.

[desperate_times_right]

Ah, I see. [She does not see.] Well, nice to meet you, Doctor.

It was certainly a shocking thing to have hit you in the face in the middle of the night! What do you think it is?

[thedreamer]

And you, Chloe. [ He gives her a little smile and a friendly nod. ]

As to what it is — first question, how long have you been here yourself?

[desperate_times_right]

Four months, give or take. Got here just before the year turned.

[thedreamer]

Bit longer than me, then, but I'd heard mention of recent attacks from the Darkwalker just around the time I'd arrived. Did you know any of those who were lost to it?

The green fog, it seems part of it, a warning perhaps or a reminder. Not that we're soon to forget.

[desperate_times_right]

Seen 'em around, but I didn't know any of them very well. Talked to the priest once - one of the four-pack it got in the church - but I'm not real big on that old-time religion.

We had a dream of it, a while ago. The creature. It had green like that dripping out of its mouth. Mouths, I guess. There was green smoke, too, but it might just have been green because of the aurora.