sixwordstories | (no subject)

But you didn't? You said no?

I said no.

Would it be too much prying to ask why?

Because I believe I would be of more use somewhere else? Because I was too proud to be anyone's assistant, even the Doctor's? Because I'm a fool?

Take your pick. Perhaps all three.

...You didn't want too?

Oh, I wanted to see it, very much. I was just too stubborn for my own good. Too proud.

*tips her head as if she's trying to reason this out* Did you not like the person who offered to show you...?

I would have taken you, Liz.

Oh no, I liked him very much. I just wasn't cut out to be someone's assistant.

Really? How disappointing.

Oh *pause* He calls us companions, now.

I know, Doctor. I know.

We were working with U.N.I.T at the time. I was hired as scientific advisor, but when the Doctor turned up that role was given to him, and I was reassigned as his assistant instead. A laboratory assistant.

...Ah. I have a feeling that anyone would be a little put-off by that.

Indeed. I didn't work so hard to get myself taken seriously as a scientist to spend my career passing test tubes.

That isn't all assistants do, though. *raises her hands* I'm not justifying. I would certainly have been annoyed if the Doctor had taken my role as Scientist in Chief at Terminus. Did you express your annoyance to him?

Life on Earth can be equally dangerous, don't you think?

Yes, but I'm sure you know what he can be like. He's good at listening, just not always at understanding. Really, the only person I spoke to about it was the Brigadier.

That certainly sounds like the Doctor; I'm generally quite plain when we speak now, if it's a matter of my being frustrated.

What did the Brigadier say?

Yes, but he always does his best to get us back out of them.

Oh, he tried to persuade me not to leave. I left. And I've been trying to decide whether I regret it or not ever since.

And that's a role you often assume?

Well...that's better than never at all.

And I don't believe I've introduced myself. I'm Dr Elizabeth Shaw. Liz.

I still could. Just say the word.

A pleasure to meet you too.

And how did you know the Doctor? I hope you don't mind me asking, I'm just always curious when it comes to him.

I...I think I'd like that, Doctor.

Done, then. Where and when would you like to go? Or shall we go wherever the vortex will take us?

Wherever the Vortex takes us.

You just need to let me know where and when to pick yyou up. *grin* Unless you're ready to go right now.

Now? But my research project, I can't just...

*pauses, then smiles* I'm sure my assistants can take care of it for a little while.

I was UNIT's scientific adviser. When the Doctor arrived on Earth he took my job and I was reassigned as his assistant. I don't think I've ever quite forgiven him or the Brigadier for that.

I'm sure they can. Go off and pack up whatever you need, and we'll be off.

Do you want to start a new thread in one of our journals and play the trip out?

Oh, I don't mind too much. I enjoyed working with them nevertheless, and they were both very important to me. They still are, actually, I suppose.

Really? Well, it's nice to know I wasn't forgotten.

I will.

Thank you, Doctor.

That'd be brilliant. Is this (http://drelizabethshaw.livejournal.com/2683.html) ok?