Curiouser and curiouser [open to multiple]

[theoldgirl]

The TARDIS doesn't sleep, and she certainly doesn't dream, except under very rare and usually adverse circumstances. But with the Doctor safely tucked away in one of her bedrooms, catching up on his sleep and comforting her by his presence alone, she does allow herself to relax enough to do something akin to dozing. Many of her systems power down to stand-by, she becomes less aware of her surroundings, and for a while she thinks nothing in particular.

To her surprise, she suddenly feels something tugging at her awareness, a telepathic current that, upon more conscious inspection, doesn't appear to be coming from anywhere. Curiosity piqued, she allows the current to draw her focus away, though not before making sure it can't affect her mind against her will. What is it going to show her?

Comments

[theoldgirl]

The TARDIS brushes off Daine's offendedness in favor of contemplating her reply. The rift is certainly capable of creating telepathic phenomena, but the current that had led her here didn't have its powerful and chaotic quality, or she wouldn't have allowed it to affect her. Very curious.

To answer Daine's question, she shakes her head, somewhat confused. I did not know you before, why would I seek you out? Has that sort of thing happened to her before?

[wildmage_daine]

Daine shifts, considering her reply. If the TARDIS honestly has no idea that she's god-born and might make a more sturdy vessel than a normal human, Daine's not sure she wants to (or should) go putting ideas in her head.

That's what Morpheus did, she says instead. He's a dream god. I think he was just checking up on folk who came through the rift.

[theoldgirl]

There's someone here calling himself a dream god and visiting minds? How very interesting. The TARDIS' ears and interest perk up noticeably; he almost certainly has something to do with the current she's investigating.

Do you know where or how I might find this Morpheus? And did he tell you this is the Rift's doing?

[wildmage_daine]

No, I don't, Daine shakes her head. Seeking him out hasn't occurred to her, not least of all because she'd gotten a bit snippy with him the one time they'd spoken. If he shows up in her head again, it'll be too soon. And he didn't, I just... sort of figured. It hasn't escaped Daine's notice that most of the folk she runs into in her dreams are other rifties, and anytime anything odd happens, saying it's because of the rift is a safe enough guess.

[theoldgirl]

Well, no offense, but a mostly human girl's guess on the matter isn't really worth much to the TARDIS. She'd hoped Daine had some kind of good reason for thinking the telepathic current was related to the rift. It's clear she won't get reliable answers on this from the girl, so she focuses on Morpheus instead.

May I see your memories of him? Look at her, remembering her manners and everything.

[wildmage_daine]

It's just as well wolves can't frown, but she does flatten her ears unhappily. Daine's memories of Morpheus are all wrapped up with memories of the most painful part of her past, since that's what she'd been dreaming of when he found her, and she doesn't want anyone digging through those. Besides, the TARDIS is a goddess - can't she locate Morpheus on her own?

What, exactly, would you need to see? she asks.

[theoldgirl]

Daine's unhappiness at the TARDIS' request is so obvious that she really can't help noticing it, and she immediately exudes a sense of reassurance. She's not here to upset anyone, and lays down to appear less demanding, having gotten a better grasp on the whole wolf form thing by now.

Just his appearance, the way he felt to you, she explains. If you do not mind. I can likely find him on my own, but it would make my search easier to have an impression of him.

[wildmage_daine]

I suppose, Daine says, still dubious despite the reassuring vibes. He took more than one shape, though.

[theoldgirl]

Yes, I would expect him to, she replies thoughtfully. It's so easy to change shapes here, and if he really is a being with god-like powers, he probably doesn't have a singular definite form either, like her. But he might have a preferred shape, and she's looking more to get a feel for him and learn how he conducted himself towards Daine, anyway.

If you actively remember, I will be less likely to accidentally see something you do not wish me to see, she prompts patiently.

[wildmage_daine]

Oh. All right. Well, he started off looking like this. Daine concentrates for a moment, and then a hooded ranger appears. It's a bit vague and indistinct; Daine had been wrapped up in the Hunt and not paying especially close attention to detail. Mostly she just remembers being annoyed with him until he took wolf shape and joined the Hunt.

She doesn't see the point in showing the TARDIS the wolf shape, nor does she want to think about what had happened next in the dream, so she skips over that part and moves on. Afterwards, when he introduced himself, he looked a bit different. She remembers the more impressive black robes with the universe inside them, his face still hidden from view. With a little more effort, she can recall his voice: "I am Morpheus."

Does that help? she asks.

[theoldgirl]

The TARDIS studies the projection and associated memories attentively, hoping to see something she can draw conclusions from, but it's all quite nondescript. The universe cloak strikes her as odd, since there's no associated sense of the universe in Daine's memories, it really just feels like a piece of cloth. Still, she is getting a vague idea of his presence, and his voice is perhaps more likely to remain constant than his appearance. She's also aware of Daine's increased annoyance and snippiness towards him, and she can tell there are parts she's leaving out, but as promised she doesn't snoop.

Perhaps, yes, the TARDIS replies when the memories come to an end. Thank you for your assistance. What did he want from you?

[wildmage_daine]

You're welcome, Daine replies, glad it's over.

Mostly he just asked questions about me and told me not to trust anyone here. Her lips curl a little at the memory; he really hadn't been very helpful, as far as she was concerned. He also said he was here to protect us, but that doesn't make sense. If he's a dream god, how is he going to do anything for us when we're awake?

[theoldgirl]

That sounds not only unhelpful, but outright suspicious. She raises her lips as well in commiserating disapproval and shakes her head at the question.

He told you not to trust anyone, but expected you to simply volunteer information about yourself to him? She isn't admonishing the girl for complying with him, if in fact she did, but there is clear distrust of his inconsistent behavior in her voice. Did he tell you what he would protect you from?

[wildmage_daine]

Daine flops down onto the ground as well, glad to hear that someone else thinks he was being unreasonable. No, he didn't. And he asked me about myself before he started on about not trusting folk. He wanted to know if I was with Romac or the rebels, and when I told him I didn't think much of Romac, he went on about how both sides are equally sneaky or some such. She lets out a contemptuous huff.

[theoldgirl]

Now why would a dream god care about the power struggles of some human organizations in the waking plane?, she considers out loud, becoming more and more suspicious. This Morpheus is beginning to sound far more like someone simply using the telepathic current for his own gain, which kind of dashes her hopes that he could be responsible for it. But he might still have more information on it, and someone should really find out why he's using and manipulating this delicate linking of minds to spy on people. The TARDIS doesn't tend to get involved in most mundane affairs, but she doesn't like to stand by when intricate cosmic balances or phenomena are being abused.

Did he perhaps appear to not be a god at all, to you?

[wildmage_daine]

That's an excellent question - both of them, in fact. Daine stares at her paws for a few moments, thinking, and then raises her head sharply. He might not have been! I knew he wasn't one of my gods, and he might not have been a god at all. It's a distressing realization. I assumed he was, because I'd only ever been visited by gods in my dreams, before - back in my realm. I don't think you can share dreams back home without the Dream King's leave.

Things are different here, though, as she's learned. She feels a bit foolish for so easily trusting him now that she knows how common it is to share dreams with other mortals in this realm. More than that, though, she's angry that any old person could have been impersonating a god just so he could pry information from her. If this realm has any proper gods, she hopes take notice of his impertinence. She can't imagine any of the gods in her realm taking kindly to such bad behavior.

[theoldgirl]

More talk of gods, but the TARDIS wisely doesn't let on that she thinks those are not really gods either, just powerful beings or alien creatures using a form of technology Daine's people don't understand. It's magic all over again, but there is no point in arguing about definitions. And the matter of Morpheus is more important.

She nods at the girl's justified anger, letting her feel her agreement and sympathy for probably having been tricked. There are certainly beings with powers and qualities you would consider god-like for a lack of understanding or capability to grasp their natures, like myself. But in my experience, there are rather more of those who pretend to be gods for their personal gain. I intend to find out which category Morpheus belongs to.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine blinks in surprise as the TARDIS's words sink in. So you're not a goddess. She's not sure if she should be irked with the TARDIS for not saying so earlier, or with herself for assuming as much - especially now that she knows folk are willing to fake such things. Not that the TARDIS was faking; she never did say she was a goddess, to be fair.

Still. Daine lays her head on her paws with a grumble that conveys irritation and embarrassment. What are you, then?

[theoldgirl]

Aww, she hadn't meant to irritate the girl, or make her think she had the wrong idea about her. Kindly she explains, I would not call myself a goddess, no. I am not immortal, nor do I require anyone's belief to exist. But you are not the first to have thought of me as such. So no reason to be embarrassed.

I am a ship, she goes on, and can't help her wolf form taking on a proud bearing. I travel the stars as well as time. And because she knows Daine is justifiably more distrustful of strangers in her mind now, she gives another impression of the universe turning around them, of the magnificence of eternity and the beauty of galaxies. But then she deflates a little, pride turning to bitterness. Not here, though. I am stranded.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine feels a little less foolish, but she still resolves to stop assuming anyone is a god, at least while she's dreaming. It's too easy to be tricked here.

Still, she can't help lifting her head in astonishment as the universe spins around her, the images far more detailed than anything she's seen through a telescope. It doesn't feel like a mere illusion, more like the TARDIS is sharing her memories, and a little thrill runs through her. Is that what space looks like when you're in it? It's beautiful!

Then she senses the mood shift, and she can certainly sympathize. She lets out a low whine, then says, I'm sorry. I'm stuck here, too.

[theoldgirl]

The images aren't really how she sees the universe; she has to adjust them for Daine's limited comprehension. But the sense of exalted splendor and infinite wonder is certainly genuine. Exploring the universe will never stop being amazing to her.

It is beautiful, she agrees wholeheartedly despite her current sadness. I miss it. And she appreciates Daine's sympathy, even though the girl can hardly understand just how confined and crippled she is here.

At least she can offer her help, and being useful can do a lot to make her feel better. I have been told many people are. My pilot and I are working on finding a way to send everyone back where they belong. I will be happy to let you know when we have made progress. She tilts her head to the side, considering the girl. Where can we find you in the waking plane? She can always just contact Daine here, but it might take a while longer to wait until she's asleep while the TARDIS also happens to be here.

[wildmage_daine]

I'd like that, Daine says, tail wagging. She's not sure if she should mention the rebel base, but it's not as if she holes up in there all day. The dogs would need walking even if Daine liked being cooped up underground, which she doesn't (though it's preferable to skyscrapers). I'm in the park every day, and if you ask one of the People - animals, I mean - they can find me wherever I am.

The bit about a pilot catches her interest. Given that the TARDIS can clearly think for herself, Daine's a little surprised to hear that she has one. Who's your pilot? she asks curiously.

[theoldgirl]

The TARDIS gives a regretful whine at Daine's suggestion to find her with the help of animals. I cannot communicate with most animals; their minds are too small to cope with mine. It would likely kill them. Human minds are difficult enough to move around in without treading on anything. Unless the rift has been changing the local fauna as much as it's been changing the people who come through, but verifying that guess isn't really worth leaving a trail of dead or catatonic animals. I am situated in the park as well, though, so perhaps I will see you myself.

Oh but talking about her pilot is a great idea. The warmth and affections she feels for him are palpable when she speaks. My pilot calls himself the Doctor. Then there's another pang of sadness. He is from a different universe than me, but we make the best of it.

[wildmage_daine]

Daine, unaware of how much the TARDIS is holding back, suspects that her animal friends aren't being given enough credit. But if there is a risk of them dying because the TARDIS tried to speak with them, she'd rather not have her take it. What do you look like? Presuming you're not a wolf. Perhaps Daine could have the People keep an eye out for the TARDIS, too.

That name sounds terribly familiar. Daine thinks hard for a few moments, then perks up a little. She thinks she's met him - not in the real world, but in one of the dreams full of strangers. The one who looks like Andrew! From... Galli-whatsit?

[theoldgirl]

Her ears twitch in surprise at Daine having met both the Doctor and Andrew, and she nods her confirmation. Gallifrey, yes. Though causally speaking, Andrew looks like him.

As an afterthought, her wolf form shifts into a tall blue box with windows and a light on top, to answer Daine's question. It doesn't occur to her that it might be a little disturbing when the box continues to speak with her voice. This is my usual form. I landed in the forest by the lake. She gives the girl a moment to look at her, then changes into her humanoid appearance. "And this the avatar I use to communicate with people."