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That sounds pretty serious. [Says the cat nearby.] You've had experience with both, I take it?

Plenty I gave it all up, so everyone else can go about their lives. [ The Doctor didn't mind that he was having a conversation with a cat. ] I gave up home planet for the rest of the universe.

[Oh good, because that's what seemed to be happening. While his lips don't move, the cat's thoughts are projected as sound from his collar.]

I'm sorry to hear that. [His tail curves around his front legs thoughtfully.] And you're now here on Earth. It's not such a bad place, the food is pretty good. You ever try tuna?

[ He did travel with a penguin at one point, so Jake isn't exactly something strange. He turned his head, and he looked down at the cat with a somber look on his face. Of course, the suggestion of tuna did get a smile from him. ] Yeah, I have had the tuna before, and lots of other thing. If you want a tasty fish, you should try the salmon.

Tuna is a fish? [Okay, so he was new here.] I'll do that, thank you. Maybe Frank can get some. Do humans like salmon too?

It is a rather large fish. [ The Doctor would understand this predicament. And, he crinkled his brow a little bit. ] Humans are not exactly the fussiest of eaters, well of course that depends on where you go on this planet.

I'm not sure if it would be better or worse for me if Frank wanted to share. Though he's been busy seeing Liz so he might not mind what I eat.

Who's Frank? I'd say your owner, but you seem to be more than just your common domestic cat.

Thank you. And he's a friend I'm staying with while I'm living here on Earth. [He missed the rendezvous with the mother ship.] He's a scientist who's a little smarter than most of the humans here.

[He straightens a bit, giving his name] I am Zunar J 5/9 Doric 4-7. But I've been going by Jake, it seems easier. And you?

Sometimes? Has it ever come without them?

If it wasn't worth it, we wouldn't make them.

It's a rather big universe, so I'd like to hold onto hope that somewhere out there freedom came without sacrifice. So far, I haven't found this to be the case.

Course not, I don't think anyone would make a stand for what's right if the gains weren't worth it.

[ The Doctor still didn't know how this conversation ended up from freedom, to fish, but at least he wasn't going to end up going down the path of wallowing in self-pity.

He lowered his head to look down at the cat as he proudly introduces himself. The Doctor was highly amused by this, and he knelt down to be leveled with the alien cat. ] Pleasure's all mine, Jake. My name's The Doctor and those humans might come to surprise you.

Unless their ideas of worth are... 'misplaced'. No point using your freedom to think of what was sacrificed.

It's a nice thought. I'm not sure it really works that way, though. Freedom without a fight would... contradict nature, I suppose.

I wish it did work that way. It would make things a lot easier for everyone, but then I would be out of a job.

Soldier?

Maybe not, but sometimes people make some long lasting sacrifices to reach their goal.

[ The Doctor crinkled his brow and shook his head. ] Nope. [ Of course it might be considered truth. ] I'd like to consider myself a meddler.

A meddler? In fights for freedom? [He was a bit confused, too.] Like a diplomat?

Most of the time, yes it does.

Sí, but it is a waste to use hard earned freedom to mourn all the time. You must look forward to make the most of it. It it a waste otherwise.

[She looks up at him] You sound like you're speaking from experience.

I'd say something more like a saboteur. [ The Doctor gave Peter a smug smile. ] And, sometimes I do seem to be like a diplomat. I know, it all sounds a bit confusing.

Course it is, but mourning those that made that sacrifice ain't exactly a horrible thing.

Ah, I know it does.

[ The Doctor looked at Rose with a smile. ] Course I do, I've visited a large chunk of the universe at large. And, I'm sure that during my travels, I came across some civilizations that settled things peacefully.

Part of me thinks that's impossible.

No, but so many mourn for far longer than they should. They forget to live, and that is tragic also.

There's no exact time limit for how long someone can mourn. Still, you're right, they shouldn't allow their grief to consume them. And, I'd hate to go about living without living.

There's that cynical part of me that knows that it's impossible.

You shouldn't be so cynical.

Very wise, señor. Plus, sacrifice is a grim thing to think of when talking of freedom. Think of the good things in life, you'll live longer.

[Jake appreciates talking on his level.]

Humans can surprise, but honestly the group the military gathers to investigate alien spacecraft...they're not that impressive.

You're a doctor? Or your name is Doctor?

They're not, no, but some of them do make an effort to try. [ The Doctor lowered his head, and he quirked an eyebrow. Much like regeneration, explaining his name has never exactly gotten old. ] Of course, that's my name.

I like the way you think, and I don't think I've got your name. [ The Doctor offered out his hand. ] John. John Smith.

[Jake stands, pacing a bit.]

Sorry, I wasn't sure. Good to meet you, Doctor. How long have you been here on Earth?

You do not seem like a John.

[He takes the hand and shakes it briefly, a strong shake for someone who looks a bit ill.]

I am Alejo.