bodilesswarrior | TLV 10

[Barbara is sitting her chair, hands folded in her lap.

For the first time, her full setup is in view; all the monitors, the maps, the schematics, the projections. (One is a map of the Barge; one is a theoretical schematic; one is of the space outside.)

When she speaks, her voice is calm and confident, betraying none of the frustration and anxiety that's been tormenting her.]

We all know, by now, that wherever we're headed is dangerous - potentially moreso than anything we've faced before.

I'm here to offer some protection. [She reaches behind her, presses a few keys, and the middle projection changes; it's become a black body suit, slowly revolving, with labels describing each area.] I've been making body armour for a long time, now. It's tough but light-weight. Resistant to bullets, fire, and blades. Give me your measurements and I can provide you with one.

[Her lips quirk.] And I can personalise it if you want.

Of course, they say the best defence is a good offence.

[She changes the projection again, this time showcasing various throwing weapons; shuriken, knives, chakram, darts, and batarangs. Each are labelled and described.]

I can provide you with these weapons and show you how to use them.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[A wry grin.]

I haven't actually invented those yet, but after I take a look at them I'm sure I can manage to make you a few.

Oh bugger, am I bein' paradoxical?

[She winks.]

...I won't tell if you don't, eh?

Edited 2013-05-11 15:21 (UTC)

[Her grin deepens.] Deal.

[Private to Iris]

And speaking of inventions.

...oh yes?

I've been considering something for a while, now. Purely theoretical at this stage, but...might come in handy, for this port. And I figured you could help out. [It's not just that Iris is a genius. Barbara trusts her, more than almost anyone on the ship.]

[She can imitate Bianca's voice surprisingly well. It's never occurred to her that she'd ever want to.]

I am at your disposal, Oracle dear.

[And then, in her own voice.]

...so 'ow long are you going to keep me in suspenders?

[Her eyes go wide, and she just stares for a long moment. Then her lips quirk.]

Neurotech, in my chair. So I could control it hands-free.

[Iris is someone who's made a career of going too far, and there's a familiar, giddy excitement in the tension of wondering whether she's done it again. And then Barbara smiles, and Iris winks, and then she's onto the distraction of new tech like a park duck on a dropped sandwich.]

Oooh, now there's a thought. I don't see why not - 'ey, we can get your Davros to 'elp, that's by way of bein' 'is specialty. Be a nice change for 'im to use it to 'elp anyone.

Plus it gives me an excuse to pick 'is brains. Not that way. Just, you know. The slow way.

[Barbara likes that Iris pushes boundaries. She does it, too, albeit in different ways - she's more considered, more cautious. Iris is the opposite of that and it's kind of exhilarating.]

That's not a bad idea. I told him I'd give him some projects to do, and this would be a nice gesture of trust.

[A low chuckle.]

Glad you qualified.

I missed that 'ole war with the Daleks, you know. I mean - it's just not there for me. Every bit of time it 'appened in, I didn't. So I'm not all rabid at 'im like our Narvin. 'E does 'ave 'is reasons.

[Her eyes narrow dangerously.]

All I could do not to 'eave Rassilon over the railing, that time.

[After a moment, quietly.] I read about the War, in his file. It's hardly the same as being there, of course, but - I get it. I don't blame Narvin.

[Her eyebrows arch.] And I wouldn't blame you for that, either, from what I've seen.

[Darkly.]

Best not to encourage me, love; I'm already designing remote-control temporal charges in me 'ead. The bugger keeps talkin' at me.

[Wryly] Is it bad to say I hate politicians if I was one for a while?

You're not the first friend I've 'ad who tried to change systems from the inside. I've never 'ad the patience meself, but you beat me on that score 'ands down.

You were never like that, though. I want to wash me brain out every time 'e talks to me.

I wasn't re-elected anyway. [She flashes a smile.] Too liberal.

[Now she's scowling.] I don't know the whole story, but I can see why.

You'd be wasted doin' that, any road. Power be'ind the throne gets a lot more done.

[Talking of which.]

Narvin's tryin' to make us play nice. I'm already playin' nice to me bloody limits.

You can be a lot more effective when you can just cut the red tape, that's for sure.

[Her lips purse, then, as she considers.] Would it be possible for you to just...avoid him? He's obviously not listening.

Or rig it to electrocute on contact?

I 'ave been. I were 'ere six months before we even spoke to each other and that were only when 'e 'ad a go at Davros that time. After that 'e started trolling me network posts, the old bastard. I'm not sure I'm grownup enough to ignore that.

[See Iris, this is why you're her kind of lady.] Or that.

I probably wouldn't be either, honestly. [Not in a situation like this, where it's personal.] Someone takes a shot, I fire back.

Could you talk to Zev? Tell him he'd be safer if he stopped interacting with you?

I could. And maybe that'd be the grownup way to 'andle it and all.

But it wouldn't 'alf smell like surrender.

There's a difference between a surrender and a ceasefire.

[Iris pouts theatrically.]

I'm surrounded by adults, it's not fair. Can't I boobytrap 'is door just a little?

TLV 10 - Video

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