welcome to my mind

school is hard

morganfm — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 23:15:06 GMT

Hey everybody it looks like my last post never actually sent, so that's great. General updates: I've been single since New Years and I am a lonely lil lesbian though I do have cool friends, I have a second cat named Missy now, I drive for uberEats which is lucrative enough when I actually remember to leave my house, my classes require a ton of work which is exhausting to put in, I've converted three more people to Doctor Who watching through my now tried-and-true method of showing them Blink immediately followed by The Eleventh Hour, and I got a new hyperfixation a few weeks ago in the form of The Worst Witch (2017) and one Hecate Hardbroom and might??? actually??? get another fic written??????

That's a pretty good overview I think. I gave a class presentation on the Clexa debacle yesterday (for those of you who know what that is) and now I'm a bit emotionally exhausted having to dredge all that mess back up so I watched some soothing Xena to put me in a better mood. I've been fiddling around on my computer today doing some more of my defensive driving course (you don't come to a full and complete stop before turning right at an empty intersection in the middle of the night One Time Ugh) amongst other things.

What all have you lovelies been up to?

calm down, take a Deep Breath...

morganfm — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 06:53:32 GMT

OH MY GOSH GOOD RASSILON THAT WAS SO FREAKING AHMAHZING!!!!!!!
what even just happened? mind=blown. all the feels.
Capaldi is here. Clara is here. Vastra and Jenny and Strax are here. (and the amount of Vastra/Jenny fanfic fuel in this ep? ehrmahgersh.)
this was gonna be a full blown uber awesome review of the entire ep, but high school seniors need their sleepytimes and posts must be made before the moment passes, so I'ma just throw this out there now, and go back over it in my free time later on like in my non existent free time.

::I was so tired when I posted this, I meant to say something about the actual ep lolz::

Honestly though, Capaldi made a grand entrance. His first scene was absolutely hilarious, I think Clara's official new nickname should be "thingy". And he was very clear about his not flirting with the dinosaur.
Before we get to him though, I'd like to backtrack to the opening scene. For one, Jenny's sonic device, the gauntlet on her arm, which was designed by a little boy who entered the CBBC contest to create sonic devices for each of the Paternoster Gang and won, made its appearance here. Vastra's conversation with the fellow from Scotland Yard was chock full of passive aggressive sass. I mean really, "it coughed up a blue box labeled police" and he thought "it just laid an egg!" Yes, dear, his "grasp of anatomy troubles me" too. And the confining lanterns- she's just like 'off you pop, there's a good boy'. She's got her official liaison trained like a dog.
And back to Capaldi. I mean really, this scene doesn't even need describing. If you know how to access the internet, which you presumably do if you're reading this, then you've seen enough gifsets to cover the whole thing.
I did really love the "accents" bit, and Vastra knocking him out with her sly Silurian telepathy skills.
Jenny's line to Clara deserves it's own paragraph of shining praise. "I don't like her, ma'am, I love her. And as for being strange, she's a lizard." This is officially one of my favorite Who ships now. I'm calling it "Jenastra".

::more l8r::

this episode makes me so happy.

having hair like Alex Kingston's :)

morganfm — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 21:55:39 GMT

I meant to put this up several days ago, just thought I'd share how my hair was looking somewhat River Song-esque at the time:
oh and yes, that is my Day of the Doctor poster in the background ;)
I'm planning on cosplaying River if/when I go to my first ever comic con in October. Karen Gillan's gonna be there! It's the Wizard World Austin Con :)
so yup just throwin that out there.

on the subject of Soundtrack Covers

morganfm — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:20:44 GMT

Thought I'd offer up this pic I put together of all the different official DW album covers, plus the one I made. If you haven't seen my other post about that, I'd love if you tried to guess which one I made. course, if you're looking, you're probably a whovian, and if you're a whovian, it'll probably be obvious, but that's beside the point. here's another pretty picture.

so yay for lots and lots of cool DW pics! XD

thanks to hyperfocusing, here- have a DW Series 1 Soundtrack Album Cover.

morganfm — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 23:34:22 GMT

I just spent roughly six hours *make that seven* on something as a result of sitting down to check a playlist on Spotify. ::headdesk::
However, I am pleased with the result of this pointless endeavor, and I hope y'all will be too :)

On to Doctor Who soundtracks. As I'm sure quite a few of you are aware, there is not a specific album for the first series of the show, rather there is a combined series 1/2 album that has a picture of Ten and Rose on the cover. Personally, in organizing my music, I find this bothersome- I'm a "place for everything, and everything in it's place" kinda gal. And if they match, it's even better. So I have the album saved as two separate ones on my computer.
This is how I get distracted.
I sat down at my computer around 11 earlier today. I never went to bed last night because I'm in the middle of majorly overhauling my room, and I was just sitting for a moment to see what song was playing. I saw, on the Spotify window, that it was playing a first season song and it had a cover with Ten on it. Somehow, my sleep deprived and incredibly adhd brain decided it absolutely had to have a better cover for the first season album. So get to work, self. ::sigh::
Hours and hours later after searching for pics and fonts, installing said fonts, editing said photos, and figuring out the best way to combine the images, I have completed maybe the most complicated manip I have ever made in my life. Now I have to finish cleaning my room. ::cries a little::
so here it is, for your viewing and downloading pleasure. feel free to use it for your own s1 album if you want :)

....I need sleep. And some self control.

*oh btw the stars and such are from an actual telescope photo of the Rose Galaxy ;) I thought that was cool. the original pic that I can't remember where I found it on the web was some several thousand pixels large, so here's a smaller version.
And I don't own the people, characters, or pictures, I just spent a really long time putting them together. If you do use the cover I'd really appreciate a comment letting me know, just so I can feel like my day wasn't a complete waste of time, even though it was.

hugs to all of you lovelies :)

my fandom roster is growing. again.

morganfm — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 00:01:06 GMT

hey there friendies :)
the other day I started watching another show on Netflix for the first time, and it's as awesome as rumor said. I love it!
It's Buffy! Buffy the Vampire Slayer! XD
I've never been a fan of the whole "vampire" genre, just because of the screaming Twilight fangirl connotations (which I have never read or seen). However, this show is just really, really cool. Plus, the cast is full of people from shows I already watch:
David Boreanaz as Angel (Seeley Booth on Bones),

Alyson Hannigan as Willow (Lily on How I Met Your Mother),

and a few minor characters like Darla, played by Julie Benz (who I loved as Stephanie Powell on the one season awesome show No Ordinary Family).

Though I did figure out that one of the main characters on Buffy, Xander, is NOT played by the same actor as Frankie on Rizzoli & Isles (Jordan Bridges), but is in fact Nicholas Brendon. Oops. Though my mistake isn't all that hard to understand, since they do look kinda similar:
Xander in season 1: Frankie:

see my point?
aaaanywho, this post wasn't going to have any pics, then I wanted to compare Nicholas and Jordan, then I wanted to put everyone in here, and now it's taken me whole extra hour to post. oh well, back to life.
Basically, I'm enjoying my first taste of Buffy ;)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAH! [my freakout told in DW gifs to make it better]

morganfm — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 07:01:31 GMT

so, I'm finally getting into the groove of this writing regulary-thing, and just started posting fanfics. I go to add the who_contest prompts and deadlines to my calendar, and what do I discover?

I HAVE TWO WEEKS AND 6 DAYS UNTIL SCHOOL STARTS AGAIN. AND IT'S MY SENIOR YEAR.

I should be all like:

but right now I'm mentally shouting

yes. I went there. because...

oh, and to top it all off, that moment when I'm searching for clever doctor who gifs and realize that Merlin was on the freaking train on Midnight:
mind=blown. also, facepalm.

Moving Forward (1/?) - Free to Go

morganfm — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:50:43 GMT

Title Free to Go
Story Moving Forward (1/?)
Author morganfm
Characters River Song, Other Character(s)
Rating All Ages
Disclaimer Just playing around in the BBC's sandbox. If you recognize it, it's unfortunately not mine.
Genre General, Missing Scene
Archived at AO3, FF.net, & Teaspoon
Summary The Warden of Stormcage Containment Facility has some news for his most troublesome prisoner. Conversation ensues with mugs of tea.
betaed by the forever fantastic starjargon (thanks love!)

A/N LOOK YOU GUYS! I MADE SOMETHING! SEE? SEE?!
*shhh shh shh* calm down morgan, you'll scare away all the nice people who want to read your fanfic.
*whispers* oops, sorry!
Anywho... hello! This is the first fanfic (chapter) I have ever completed in my entire life. *dances around joyfully* this is just one of the many random ideas that popped into my head during Camp NaNoWriMo, where I committed myself to getting my first fic off the ground by writing 10,000 words in a month. I've met my goal, though most of it is currently unpostable due to my plotbunnies being all over the place.
So, here is River Song, setting out. And here is myself, beginning the grand and complicated journey that is keeping up with a multi-chapter fanfic.
Oh, and I crave reviews more than I want to play the Doctor's companion. ;)

Well... maybe not quite that much, but close!

X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X

“Doctor Song,” the guard outside her cell barked rudely.

The wild-haired woman sitting on her cot did not even glance at him as she held up her forefinger and turned the page of the book she was reading.

“Doctor Song, you are to come with me at once. The Warden wishes to speak with you.”

After a moment she sighed, rolling her eyes as she laid down the book and stood, stretching. “What does he want this time? I haven't skipped out in weeks.”

The guard did not reply, but stood there, watching, as this prisoner who acted like she ran the place took her sweet time answering the official summons.

He became impatient when she wandered over to a cabinet on the opposite wall. “What are you doing? The Warden requires that you come before him immediately!”

She laughed softly as she turned back to him. “You don't expect me to go visit the Warden dressed like this, do you?” River gestured to her modest t-shirt and fitted pants. “I'll be out in a minute, but first I've got to change. Now go on, turn around. There's a good boy.” River smiled patronizingly before pulling out a hanging rack of clothes that could not possibly have fit in the standard issue wardrobe she had been rummaging through.

The guard gaped at her, completely at a loss for how to handle the situation. “Now, see here, Doctor Song-”

“Oh lay off her, mate. It's easier to just let her do what she wants. You won't be able to make her to do anything else.” The guard who normally patrolled her section walked up, clapping the newcomer on the shoulder.

“Geoffrey's right you know,” River added, “I can be a very... troublesome prisoner when I want to be.” She smirked. “Now, if you could be a dear and give me a bit of privacy, we can be on our way to see the Warden a lot sooner.”

Not bothering to see whether or not they complied, the demanding woman walked around behind the impossible rack of garments and reemerged a moment later, wearing a fitted v-neck green dress and a pair of jodhpurs. Shaking out her hair and sliding the rack back into the cabinet where it couldn't possibly fit, she cheerily announced, “Ready! Let's be off then, shall we?”

Her escort was still puzzling over the wardrobe and just stood there for a minute. Geoffrey, helpful as ever, noticed the issue his colleague was having and leaned against the cell. “Oh, don't mind that, it's just bigger on the inside. Ain't that right, Doctor Song?”

She awarded the man a small smile as she let herself out of the barred door.

“Wait, how did you manage that? I haven't unlocked it!”

Not dignifying the question with a response, she set off confidently down the hall towards the Warden's office.

“Don't bother your head about it, eh? Just go along with her and don't worry, the Warden knows what she's like. Now get on after her or you'll have to explain why she showed up to see him without you.”

The other guard took Geoffrey's wise advice and hurried down the corridor after the receding form of Doctor River Song.

Still leaning against the bars of River's cell, the old man chuckled, then resumed his rounds to go check on the other, far less interesting inmates.

X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X

The Warden sat at the desk in his office, staring down at the screen before him while speaking into his communicator.

“And you're sure this wasn't another one of her tricks? Is that even possible? You're sure? And these orders are confirmed, they came directly from her Holiness?” He shook his head incredulously at the response.

“Well, alright. Can't say I'm loathe to be rid of her. She has a habit of causing trouble. Yes sir, I'll take care of it. You too, sir.” The Warden hung up and sat back in his chair, baffled at how his most ingenious prisoner had managed to pull this one off.

There was a rap at his door.

“Come in!” The door was thrust open by two armed guards, and in flounced the number one problem-causing inmate of his entire career, followed a second later by a cleric who didn't look very pleased to be there.

“You wanted to see me Warden?” She stood with hand on hip, looking at ease and completely unperturbed by the fact that he could have her shot at a moment's notice.

“Johnson, you're dismissed. Return to your post.”

The young man saluted stiffly then exited the office, relieved to no longer be responsible for keeping track of the infamous escape artist.

Only once he was gone did the Warden address her. “There's been some news regarding your sentencing.”

That seemed to get her attention. She sidled closer, looking him up and down like a cat eying her next meal. He was familiar with the routine. It meant that Doctor Song wanted something, but wasn't ready to say so outright.

Her approach halted as she leaned on the back of a chair and feigned disinterest, turning her gaze to inspect her fingernails. “Oh? Have the powers that be decided I ought to serve a few hundred more years?” Idle amusement laced her tone.

“Quite the opposite, in fact. It seems that the man you killed, the Doctor, no longer exists. According to all available records, he never existed at all. Ever. There is no such man as the Doctor in any database in the universe.” He waited for her to give any indication that his words had sunk in.

One eyebrow quirked with amusement before she shook her head, chuckling and mumbling to herself something that sounded like “Of course you did, you daft man”.

Ah. So she does know who's behind this. “Have something to share with the class, Doctor Song?”

“Hmm?” The woman did her best to look at him innocently, as guiltless as the proverbial cat that caught the canary.

“You have no idea how this happened, or who might do such a thing?”

She nodded, curls bouncing around her face. “That's correct. Now, what does this mean for me, exactly?”

He sighed. “It means.... it means that all the charges against you have been overturned. Since it is impossible for you to have killed someone who never existed, the murder sentence has been revoked. And since you've already served enough time to atone for all the other felony charges of theft, prison breaking,” he glared at her before continuing. “And impersonating government figures on more then one planet-”

River gave a small shrug as if to say, “Who, me?” Either she didn't care that he knew, or everyone she conned was incredibly thick, because right now she wasn't fooling anyone.

“Melody Pond, otherwise known as Doctor River Song, you are free to go, with the apologies of the Papal Mainframe. You will be compensated generously for the years you served for a crime you did not commit.” The irony of the situation almost pained him. Dignity, self-respect, and the responsibility of his office were all that prevented him from placing his elbows on the desk and hiding his face in both hands.

She blinked, staring at him as if to be sure this wasn't a joke. “Well, I must say I was not expecting this. A full pardon, with no strings attached? And you're paying me? I never thought I'd see the day. If I didn't know better, I'd say this was a ploy to get me to reveal how I would get in and out of here, if I were to do such a thing, and as soon as I leave I'll be clapped in irons and dragged off to some dungeon.”

Her thinly veiled reluctance to accept her freedom was more than a little surprising. “You of all people should know that the Papal Mainframe would never allow such risks to be taken with prisoners as dangerous as you're reputed to be, unless there were some dire situation that required it. I've confirmed the orders myself; the pardon is legitimate. Besides, I would think this wouldn't be all that confusing for you, seeing as you regularly waltz in and out of here as if there were no walls anyway.” He looked at her pointedly.

“Oh, that's old news. It's not like I've caused any real trouble, have I?”

He pinched his brow and breathed deeply. “Since you arrived here, Doctor Song, we haven't had a single breakout drill. There's been no need! You trigger the alarm once a week at the very least.”

“Just keeping the boys on their toes.” She smirked.

The Warden leaned back in his chair as his gaze softened. “So, where will you go now? Not planning universal domination I hope.” He may have even smiled a bit.

I must be going soft in the head, chatting with a known criminal like this. Though it was true they had grown to tolerate one another over the years, and he did see her far more often than any other inmate due to her escapades.

The formidable woman tried to mask her unease with a bright smile, but he saw right through it. “I'm not sure! I could really go anywhere now- might do some traveling, even get back to university, do some more research. You might not have heard, but I had just received my doctorate the same day I moved in here. Funnily enough I can't remember much of what happened between those two events.” She shrugged tensely with a hollow chuckle and he quirked a brow in disbelief.

Her voice grew softer, her tone more genuine. “I've never really thought about where I'd go when I got out. I guess it didn't actually seem possible.” In an unusual show of vulnerability, she sank into one of the chairs in front of his desk.

He signaled for the two guards by the door to exit his office and close it behind them. With concerned, and blatantly curious expressions, they complied.

He knew he was risking his image as a tough, no-nonsense Warden by showing such kindness to her, but he could afford to show a bit of humanity now and then. “Would you like some tea, Doctor Song?”

Clearly flustered by his unexpected offer, she nonetheless retained her composure. “That'd be lovely, thanks.”

There was a comfortable silence as he pressed a few buttons on his communicator. She hesitated as if deciding whether or not she could trust him, before adding, “And... call me River, would you? Doctor Song feels so... formal. Like I'm being punished for something.”

Nodding ponderously, he made a decision of his own. “Well, Doctor-” He cleared he throat. “I mean, River, I suppose it's only fair that I extend you the same courtesy. You can call me Michael. Though, if I may take the liberty of saying so, you shouldn't feel that way about your title. The circumstances of its use may have been less than ideal, but it's something you earned for yourself and is worthy of respect.”

“Thank you, Michael. I'll keep that in mind.”

They were interrupted by a knock at the door, as a cleric arrived with their tea. Once they each held a warm mug painted with a black-on-white label that read, 'Property of Stormcage Containment Facility', the man was dismissed, and their conversation resumed.

“I've always wondered, ...River, however you do manage to get out, where do you go when you leave here?”

She sipped from her mug, mentally gauging what she could reveal. He took her pause as a sign that she was still suspicious of his intentions.

“You can't get in trouble for telling me, if that's what you're thinking. I couldn't keep you here if I tried. Tasha Lem herself is overseeing your release, and she is very insistent that we not inconvenience you further in any way. Lord knows why.”

Processing that information to look into later, River swallowed a sip then said, “Well, I go lots of places. Times too. You may have noticed that some of my trips last only a very short while?”

He nodded, a puzzled look on his face.

“Truth is they're actually much longer. I've had a vortex manipulator ever since my second year. You remember when I got that phone call and then tricked the new guard with my hallucinogenic lipstick?”

“You're going to have to be a little more specific. As you recall, that wasn't a one time occurrence.”

She thought for a second. Setting down her mug she grabbed a marker out of the cup on his desk and scribbled on her palm, turning her hand to show him. “Look familiar?”

The Warden squinted at the stick figure with curly hair, then burst out laughing. “Oh yes I remember- poor Zachariah didn't live that down for months. We sent in a whole squad and they found him pointing his gun and shouting at a wall.”

She smiled. “It was one of my more amusing escapes, wasn't it? Didn't feel so funny at the time though. The resulting situation was... rather tricky.” Gazing into the distance, she seemed lost in thought.

“But you still haven't answered my question, River. You've confessed to obtaining an illegal means of transport and using it to come and go as you please, but you haven't told me where it is you go.”

“That depends, Michael. But... usually it's to see my family. And there's almost always some sort of disaster involved that needs fixing before I can come back.” The corresponding eye roll told him that she found these “disasters” to be more inconvenient than anything.

“Family? There's nothing in your file about relatives, in fact your record doesn't go back further than your admittance with the Sisters of the Infinite Schism. It has something to do with time travel, I assume?”

“Yes, yes it does. My life has always been very... complicated. My parents are from Earth, the original one, in the 21st century.”

Michael's eyebrows shot into his hairline. “Time travel wasn't even prototyped until the 45th! How did you end up here?”

“My husband.” His eyebrows rose even higher than seemed possible.

She laughed merrily at his reaction. “So you had no clue I was married? I suppose that's understandable, seeing as our first wedding took place on top of a pyramid in an aborted timeline...”

He nearly spit his tea all over the desk. “How did you manage that?”

“By refusing to comply with a fixed point in time. All of history started happening at once and we had to fix it by getting married. It's the only other thing I remember from when I moved in here. It was a very busy day actually- I became a doctor, got married, supposedly killed my husband who now doesn't exist, and got sent to prison. It makes for quite the anniversary, let me tell you.”

The Warden shook his head, completely out of his depth. Never in his life had he heard such an impossible story, and yet for some odd reason he was inclined to believe her. Then the implications of what she had said fully dawned on him. “Wait- you're telling me that you married the Doctor?! The Last of the Time Lords; savior of civilizations, planets, galaxies, hell the entire universe if the legends are true; the man you murdered, is your husband?!”

Unperturbed by his outburst, she calmly swallowed another gulp of tea, smacking her lips. “Yep.”

“You're going to have to explain that one. And if all this is true, which I doubt, why on Earth would you have killed him the same day?”

Swirling her mug, she answered, “Time travel is funny that way. One time I broke out of here, it was because I received an anonymous letter telling me to be at a certain place and time. I showed up and had a nice family reunion with my mum, dad, and the Doctor. We were having a picnic by a lake when a spacesuit, which I now know contained a younger version of myself, came up out of the water, and shot him dead. I watched myself kill my husband, and he knew it was going to happen. He told us not to interfere, and then just walked up to it and let it kill him. There was nothing I could do. And to top it off the daft idiot invited a younger version of himself to the party, and we just had to go along and not say anything to him about the fact that we had just seen an older version of him die.” River gave a hollow laugh that seemed more like a sigh of resignation.

“Oh, and the whole time my mum was just a flesh avatar linked to her consciousness, while she was really in a different time on the asteroid known as Demon's Run, pregnant with me.”

“Something tells me that it would take an advanced degree in physics to even try to understand your biography.”

That comment did elicit a genuine laugh from her, as she conceded, “You're probably right about that. I can't even keep track of it all myself without writing it down.”

He mused that this conversation confirmed, beyond a doubt, that River Song was the most complicated woman he had ever met. “And how did your mum and dad get involved in all of this?”

“They were best friends with him before I was even born. My mum, Amy, first met the Doctor when she was a little girl. He came back for her once she grew up and took her with him on his adventures. I was there the first time she set foot on another planet. That covert op I went on with Father Octavian to try and earn my pardon? They were there. He didn't know me very well and mum had no clue who I was. I couldn't tell them for fear of messing up the timelines. You have no idea how difficult it is to be part of a family that practically lives in a time machine. No one ever meets in the right order.” She took another sip of her now cold tea. Making a face, she refilled it from the heated pot on the tray.

By this point, Warden Michael Heath had given himself over to a willing suspension of disbelief. It was clear that she was telling him things she didn't often speak of, if she ever did at all. And he understood the need to be able to talk to someone about things instead of keeping them all to yourself. How she lived sounded like enough to drive one mad.

“So you're married to the Doctor, who's best friends with your parents, and they travel through time and space in his... what's that box called again?”

“That's the Tardis. In a weird way she's also sort of my parent. Thanks to her and the meddling of some people I'd rather not talk about, I'm not completely human. I have two hearts, and I can regenerate. Basically, I'm part human, part time lord.”

He blinked. “Seriously?” She nodded. “So, why would you go and erase the Doctor from every database in the universe? Surely there would be less difficult ways of earning a pardon. You almost succeeded last time, if not for the death of Father Octavian. And how did you even manage to do such a thing?”

River's curls bounced back and forth as she shook her head. “That wasn't me. The Doctor's the only one who could've pulled it off, though I have no clue why he would do such a thing, or when. Time travel, remember? He's obviously been very thorough, if even the Papal Mainframe has no record of his existence.” A look of irritation appeared on her face as she realized something. “Oh, damn he must have gotten rid of them! I didn't think of that. He's certainly got some explaining to do next time I see him. Just hope he's old enough...”

“Gotten rid of what? And how are you going to see him again if he's always traveling about in time and space? Seems to me someone like that would be pretty hard to contact.”

With a heaving sigh she flopped back in the chair. “Our marriage licenses. Since our first wedding was in an aborted timeline, we've had at least a dozen ceremonies in this one. It's become a sort of anniversary tradition. Some were huge, with lots of guests, pomp, and circumstance. Then there were the quiet, small ones with just the two of us. But if he's gone and deleted himself from the universe, heaven knows what's happened to the certificates. I suppose, legally speaking, I'm single now.” She rolled her eyes. “As for finding him, I have my ways.” There was a wealth of secrets implied in the wink and smirk she gave him.

“One more thing, River. It's been obvious from your first night here that nothing we do can keep you locked up, and it's always baffled me why you come back. Every time you escape I think you're finally gone for good, but without fail you always turn up again. Why?”

The enigma of a woman mulled it over for a minute. “There are several reasons, most of which I can't tell you, but the best explanation I can think of is that it's home. I've told you a little about my past, but what you know barely scratches the surface of how truly complicated and messed up it really is. I've thought about not coming back before, but I don't really have anywhere else to go. When I do see the Doctor or my parents, we're always out of sync, never quite on the same page.” She spoke slowly. It was clearly difficult for her to explain. “I can stay with them for a little while, but the longer we're together the more likely it is that one of us will spoil something, give away some hint of an event that hasn't happened for all of us yet. I can't risk that happening, because the consequences might be a paradox that could potentially undo half of my life.” The sentence was punctuated by a halfhearted laugh that failed miserably. “And... when I leave them, there's a chance, a very slim one, that the next time we see each other, they might know me a little better.” Her tone was quiet and sad, and her eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “Because it hurts, knowing things you can't tell the ones closest to you, having to let them go through it for themselves. And when they don't know you, there's no one to care. The only people who would if you told them, are the same ones that can't know because they haven't lived through everything yet. It's the burden of a time traveler.” There was a small hitch in her voice. She swallowed. “So I come back, over and over again, because it's the one place that's mine. Where I can live my life in order, and they always know where to find me. It's enough, because it has to be.”

She cleared her throat, wiping both cheeks with her hand and choking out a smile in an effort to hide the tears.

Warden Heath didn't allow the fact that he was... moved, by her story, to show outwardly. At least, he hoped he didn't. Clearing his throat, he asked, “So... now that you've been pardoned, what will you do? You can't just bounce around from place to place, never having somewhere to go back to.”

“Well... Earth wouldn't be a good idea, since my parents live there. I could stay with them for a little while, but I would eventually need a place of my own. Preferably in a time where I could continue my research... I'd like to go back to Luna but I've already graduated. Besides, the last time I was there an entire squad of Judoon made quite the scene, barging in and arresting me for murder and genocide. Even with a full pardon, it'd be pretty shaming to try and face everyone after that.”

The Warden thought for a moment. “I'm not familiar with the use of time travel myself, but couldn't you, I don't know, go back to Luna sometime in the future when people don't really know you, if you really wanted to? I'm sure the Papal Mainframe would straighten out the paperwork, help you find a way to fit in. They're very eager to clear up this 'misunderstanding'.”

Sitting up, she smiled brightly at the suggestion. “That's actually not a terrible idea; thank you Michael. And after all, he did call me 'professor'...” Seeing his curious glance, she explained, “The last time I saw the Doctor, when I was on that mission, he accidentally introduced me to Amy as 'Professor River Song'. I laughed off the spoiler at the time, but maybe he said it on purpose. He was still incredibly young and didn't know me very well, but it's possible a future version of myself told him I would need to hear that to figure out where I'm going. Even if it was just an accident, it creates a self sustaining paradox to get me to where I need to be.” River's mood had certainly brightened at the idea.

“So you're going back to Luna University to teach? What kind of doctor are you anyway? I never thought to ask.”

She laughed, “That's not the first time I've heard that question. I'm a doctor of archeology- it's amazing how much you can learn about people just by looking at the past. Besides, it makes finding the Doctor a lot easier when you know where he's been. Although,” she paused as a thought struck her, “it might be a bit more of a challenge now that he's wiped himself from all of the databases. Ah, well. That's what makes it interesting.”

Warden Heath just shook his head, bemused at the thought of the free-spirited, flirtatious woman before him in charge of students, grading, and leading archeological expeditions. “You're always full of surprises, aren't you Doctor Song.” His tone made it more of a statement than a question. “I must say this place will be a lot less interesting without you to worry about.”

“Oh, I'm sure you'll find something to keep you busy. I might pop back every once in a while to check in, keep you all on your toes.” She winked, then stood, brushing down her dress with one hand and holding onto her mug with the other. “You mind if I keep this?”

He chuckled. “Technically, I'm shouldn't allow it, and if asked I'll deny I ever said so, but sure. Why not?” He also rose from his seat, crossing his arms across his chest. “Doctor River Song, you have been the most troublesome, irritating, and downright problematic prisoner I have ever had the misfortune to be in charge of.” River's grin told him that she appreciated the compliment. “You have also been the most entertaining. I'd tell you to stay out of trouble, but somehow I feel that would be pointless.”

Laughing heartily, she agreed. “You and me both, Michael.”

“Take care of yourself River.” He smiled warmly, concern in his eyes for the woman who had to bear so much. “It's been a pleasure.” Michael reached across the desk to shake her hand.

Accepting the gesture as a sign of his sincerity, she took it with a strength that belied her figure. “Likewise, Warden. I do appreciate the consideration you've shown me over the years, and hope I haven't caused you too much trouble. Stormcage has certainly been less... dismal than I expected. I might even miss it a little bit. Do send me a Christmas card.”

Offering him a wink, she spun and breezed purposefully out of his office, leaving him to stare thoughtfully at the space she had occupied mere moments before. He was just sitting back down when she reappeared in the doorway.

“Oh, and Michael?” As he met her gaze, she smiled. It was a friendly smile, unlike the mask she usually wore. “Thank you for listening.”

He nodded gruffly as she turned, strutting down the corridor with even more ownership than before.

In retrospect, he puzzled over the fact that the mug was no longer in her hand, before he remembered her cabinet. It gave him a quiet chuckle to realize that her pockets must be bigger on the inside as well.

The guards watched her go, giving the Warden inquiring looks as to whether they should allow a prisoner, or, former prisoner, to roam about freely. He waved them off, and they closed the door. The Warden of Stormcage Prison did not begrudge River Song her freedom. She may have gotten on his nerves at times and been overall incredibly difficult to manage, but he had always known that she didn't belong here. She wasn't a coldhearted murderer. And whatever happened to her, he hoped she would be happy.

“Good luck, River Song.”

X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X >< X

to be continued... =)

TAADA!!! XD
*sitting on pins and needles to see what everyone thinks of her very first fanfic*
LOVE YOU GUYZ!

lookie what I found XD

morganfm — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 15:50:18 GMT

this video popped up in my youtube feed, and I thought y'all might like to see it.
it's pretty much exactly what would happen if the Doctor and Sherlock met, in musical form.
enjoy!

happy dancing

morganfm — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 01:35:43 GMT

GUESS WHAT YOU GUYS! Okay fine I'll tell you. I am so super duper happy right now I literally cannot contain my glee. Not only have I surpassed my Camp NaNoWriMo word count goal 4 days early by 3,504 words, I've also successfully completed my first ever one-shot fanfic! XD
*blows party horn and throws tons of confetti*
I started the story yesterday and got about 1000 words done, then sent it to my lovely betaing friend, starjargon, who writes many wonderful and amazing things. She sent it back with a few notes and words of encouragement, and today I sat down to do some tweaking. A few hours and several thousand words later, I'm finally done making it satisfy my muse and it's nearly 5000 words long. I'm so happy I could almost cry, you guys. Up until today every fic I've worked on has stalled in some sort of "in progress" phase as another plotbunny seized me and left it stranded, but no more! I have finally Completed A Fanfic! *does a few cartwheels of joy* I feel like I've passed some sort of massive milestone in my life as a fangirl. The feeling is just indescribable.
I'm so happy with this story and can't wait to share it with you guys. It's a "missing scene" type fic that surprisingly is not about Ten and Donna. It involves a conversation between River Song (yes I love her sorry but just deal with it) and an OC, which frankly surprises me because I've never been very comfortable writing original characters. It's full of jokes, sass, feels, and a dash of angst, and I couldn't be prouder of it. I'm bouncing in my chair waiting to get it back from my beta, and then after a final proofread I will at long long last Post An Original Fanfic.
*does the drunk giraffe* *and some other ridiculous dance moves*
I just wanted to share my overwhelming sense of accomplishment with y'all :)
feel free to return to your normal fic reading pastimes now ;)

WANTED: Rogue Muse has Absconded with NaNoWriMo Fanfic

morganfm — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 21:50:22 GMT

What on earth, you guys. I'm so confused- is it normal to sit down to write a story and suddenly have it throw plot points at you out of nowhere? I have a Ten/Donna fix it fic that's been stewing in my mind for months, and I finally decided to crack down and write it for Camp NaNoWriMo. My muse was being beautifully cooperative, solving all of the deliberations I had been hung up on effortlessly as the story went on the page. But then, I had to go and feed it reruns. And it lost its mind or something!
Look at this!

His eyes snapped back open and he jumped slightly at her sudden shriek.

“What the blazes do you think you're doing?! Gerroff me!”

Quickly retracting his hands, the Doctor barely avoided being head-butted as she tried to sit up. Awkwardly assisting her, they were soon both seated semi-comfortably on the console room floor. It was then that the Doctor finally met Donna Noble's indignant stare. His Adam's apple bobbed slowly as he swallowed. Even the ever-humming Tardis seemed to hold her breath in the silence that followed.

In that instant that seemed to stretch on forever, he made a conscious decision that as long as he could look into those blue eyes that revealed her very soul, the questions could wait. He wasn't going to waste a second of that precious time.

Donna is here. Right now that's all that matters.

Donna stared at the man in front of her with an angry glare that was steadily replaced by a look of discomfort, as she eyed the almost manic grin that had appeared on his face.

“Hello Donna.”

The Doctor settled his hands on her shoulders and swiftly pulled her into a crushing hug, holding on as if his life depended on it. It was more than a little awkward, seated on the floor as they were. She could hardly breathe and struggled for a moment, before giving in to the inexplicable relief and comfort the familiar gesture provided. Wrapping her arms around the daft, maddening, wonderful alien she all but forgot to miss, Donna returned the hug for all she was worth.

The Tardis herself shared in and reflected their unbridled joy at being reunited. The room seemed to glow brighter, a warm, comforting yellowish orange seeping from the coral, as bright as her very heart. Lights flickered across the console and her pleasant hum strengthened until it palpably filled the room.

The pair of friends on the floor perceived none of this. Still hugging each other as if their lives depended on it, Donna and the Doctor were blind to the world around them.

Then I went and watched Planet of the Ood, The Poison Sky/Sontaran Strategem, and The Stolen Earth/Journey's End.
And then THIS happened!

Donna took both of his hands in her own and said, “Doctor, please, just tell me what's going on. Whatever it is, we can face it. Together.”

Though her words were meant to sound encouraging, it was all she could do to bury the rising panic that his stillness inspired. She had only seen him look like that once before, when the Earth was gone forever and he was helpless to do anything about it.

She laid a hand on his shoulder. “Doctor, please.”

His eyes slowly came back into focus, searching her face for something indecipherable. He cleared his throat, blinking rapidly as he struggled to cope enough to explain.

“It's the Tardis, Donna. Somehow, she's changed what happened to me in this moment, like, something that happened in my future made her fight her strongest instincts, cross our timelines and alter them so much that she created another universe. And now, she's holding it all together. She...” He turned his head to stare at the console once again. “She's cannibalizing herself to maintain this timeline. It's like... she's willing to fall apart to keep that change in place. And if we don't do something...” His eyes filled with a look of pain and hopelessness that wrenched at her heartstrings. It was a miracle he was keeping it together at all if he felt half as upset as he looked. Dread and fear threatened to overwhelm Donna as she watched the last of the time lords lose all hope.

“She, she's going to die, Donna. And I can't...” His voice broke and he barely choked out the words. “I can't save her.”

Donna watched as the most brilliant, wonderful, amazing man she knew fell apart. It started with the tears coursing down his face, then his shoulders began shaking. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close, as his body was wracked with barely audible sobs.

She could to this. She could hold it together, for his sake. “Shh, shh... shhh... there, there,” she murmured, rubbing his back with one hand. “It'll be alright, I'm here...”

What the hell are we going to do?

I dunno, maybe it's just a phase. It does make my plot more interesting... but I do have a few other ideas now that I've taken a step back. ::shrugs::

So, back to my question: is it normal for stories to write themselves? Because I feel like mine's trying to run off without me.

Camp NaNoWriMo Doctor Who fanfic cabin

morganfm — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 20:15:04 GMT

Hey everyone! Some of you may have heard of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) where you try to reach a 50,000 word count goal during November. Well, in July they do Camp NaNoWriMo, with "set your own" word counts, and cabins with other writers to chat with about what you're working on or pretty much anything else.

I've signed up for the Camp, and this year they've added Private Cabins, where people who know each other and want to write together can make their own group. I made one and I'm planning on working on my Ten/Donna fanfic.

So basically, I'm wondering if any of you lovely people would like to join me. Want to set a goal and churn out a bunch of Doctor Who fanfiction this July along with other people doing the same? Then sign up, let me know your username and I'll invite you to the Cabin.

Hope I see you there!

Note - right now I and starjargon are the only people in the cabin. I'm going to be working on Ten/Donna, and she's doing Eleven/River, but any other focus is welcome. The point of a cabin is to help each other get through writing difficulties and work out story ideas, so if we all have the same basic knowledge and similar affinities, it should be really productive. :)

Also, make sure you've deselected "I don't want cabin invites" in the cabin settings ;)

I'm Going To Camp! XD

morganfm — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:05:21 GMT

I hung this on my fridge today:

lol. ;)
you guys should sign up too! it's free and my friends really enjoy it, but this is my first time. we could even get a cabin together! (you can request up to five people you already know, and then there's six randomly assigned campers for variety's sake) I'm using it as motivation to churn out my first major fanfic. my username is the same on there if you want to check it out. the website is www.campnanowrimo.org
yay for getting writing done this summer!

DW- Allsorts Table Prompt XD

morganfm — Wed, 28 May 2014 16:51:35 GMT

I keep getting hung up on writing my first fic because I tend to over complicate things.
so... since by Sunday I'll be out of school for the summer, I figured I'd try a prompt just so I can get some stuff actually written!

3 prompt - Eleventh Doctor Era

#01 – Fez

#02 – River

#03 – Bow tie

Claim: Tenth Doctor, Donna Noble ...maybe Ten/Donna ;)

this is gonna be so much fun! :D

former prisoner of the Sycorax

morganfm — Tue, 20 May 2014 22:41:13 GMT

HI THERE!
lol sorry for the prolonged silence, a LOT has been going on in RL lately! (for starters, it's finals review week, and senior theses, so there's that)
I have some non-DW related news that I would like to share with you today :)
So, out of the blue, last Friday I randomly got asked to read for the director of As You Like It being performed at a local hillside theater, to audition for their summer Young Shakespeare production of The Tempest. I said sure and did so, and got into the cast. (YAY!)
but that's not the best part! we had our first read through yesterday, and today they emailed out the cast list. and I'M ARIEL!!!
I am so beyond thrilled about this you guys. I adore theater and Shakespeare, and I started doing plays at my school in fifth grade. I had one single line since then. and it was in fifth grade.
now, in my first non-school production, not only do I get to have a blast and make new friends, not only do I get a speaking part, but I get one of the lead characters!!! XD
just thought I'd share my glee with y'all :)

(oh, and the title of this post, if you don't know, is a Doctor Who related Tempest reference. see The Shakespeare Code)

fanpics

morganfm — Fri, 09 May 2014 04:39:38 GMT

just thought I'd share with y'all the couple of DW edits I made today :)

out of the wardrobe again

morganfm — Mon, 05 May 2014 17:35:25 GMT

hello all! I've been rather absent here the last couple of weeks due to our school production of The Magician's Nephew & The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe. rehearsals were running until 10pm every day and leaving very little time for lj.
we had our last show on Saturday, and now I'm back, catching up commenting and reading and such :)

attempting to conquer writer's block

morganfm — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 07:06:02 GMT

In order to get anywhere on my Ten/Donna fix-it fic that I'm trying to write, I have to quit fighting with the two of them. Or rather, get them to quit fighting with each other. The other day I read a brilliant post by cannibalilly, in which she sat down with them and talked through her own fic problems, and since it worked for her and was so darn entertaining, I thought I'd give it a try. So far it hasn't been incredibly successful (but it has been fun!) since I'm arguing with both instead of one or the other, but I thought I'd put it up for now and see what else comes to me.
Technically speaking, this is sort of my first fanfictional contribution. Interesting. Anywho...

Ten: So why exactly are we here?

Donna: Because she asked to talk to us, and we said yes. Now hush – you're being rude.

Ten: Was I? Sorry. What was it you wanted to talk about?

Me: Well..... I need your help. I've been trying to write this story that I had an absolutely fantastic idea for, but every time I go to work on it I can't figure out how to connect everything. I know where I want to end up, and where it starts, but everything else has become insurmountably complicated.

Ten: Insurmountably- I like that word.

Me: Thanks! I try.

Donna: I don't mind offering suggestions- but why do you want our help? It's not like we're writers or anything – I was a temp and this beanpole is... well, I dunno what you are come to think of it.

Ten: That's really not important right now Donna. The point is – what have we got to do with it?

Me: …

Ten: Oh no, don't tell me it's- Donna, ANOTHER one?! I mean the last discussion we had about stuff like this went badly enough, but she- she's barely out of high school! How do you keep getting us into this?

Donna: This isn't because of me! Okay maybe last time it was but it's not my fault if you go punching buttons without telling me every time you get a message on the psychic paper! This one's on you. And you really have got to quit fighting with these writers, it's getting extremely aggravating. You brought us here, so sit down and listen – at least nothing's tried to kill us yet.

Ten: That we know of! What if she's like that other girl, Lilly? Or worse!

Donna: Oh, come on Doctor, lighten up. It's not like she can do anything worse to us than what other people have written. Remember that poem-thingy?

Ten: Donna! We promised to never mention that!

Me: Actually, I know what you're talking about. That poem is super creepy, but admittedly really well written. Lilly's actually the one who gave me the idea of talking to you about my story.

Ten: Great. I'd forgotten you all collaborate. Donna, we'll never get rid of them if we keep doing this!

Donna: Doctor, just calm down. At least give her a chance to explain before you go flying off the handle.

Ten: But-

Donna: Button it.

Ten: ::fidgets in frustration::

Me: Ehm, so... uh, as you've figured out- my story is about the two of you...

Ten: Seriously though Donna, what is with these people? Don't they have their own lives to worry about without messing around in ours?

Donna: Honestly?! You can't keep quiet for two seconds. Don't ask me, Spaceman. I certainly don't know why people keep writing about us.

Me: It's because we love you guys! We think you're brilliant and want to see you get the happy ending you deserve.

Donna: Happy ending? Despite appearances, ::shoots a pointed look at the still-fidgeting Doctor:: we're pretty happy right now. Who says that'll change?

Me: Ooh, right. Uhm, ah, this makes things a little difficult- I forgot it couldn't have happened to you yet...

Donna: What do you mean by that?

Ten: Donna, I don't think we want to know...

Me: Ah, I don't know how to say this, but- oh, wait! It can have happened, because I wrote that part already! Brilliant! This all started out as an idea for how to fix what happened to you, Donna, after you saved all of creation.

Donna: Oh, that. But-how did you fix it? Lots of people have tried, Martian boy here included, but it just couldn't be done.

Me: I had a couple ideas, including one along the lines of both the you-are-River-Song, and chameleon-arched-Time-Lady cliches-

Ten: Huh?

Donna: Me? River Song? I don't think so! And what on Earth are you talking about- I'm no Time Lady! I mean, sure, I had the Doctor's mind for a bit, and that was brilliant, but it wasn't... me. What's a chameleon-arch-thingy anyway?

Ten: It's a device that rewrites Time Lord biology to match a specific species pattern, creating a fugue state persona and locking away all of the conflicting memories as well as the Time Lord's consciousness into an object such as a fob watch. I had to use it that one time I hid from the Family of Blood.

Donna: Oh yes, I remember you told me about that, it happened while you were with Martha right?

Me: Anyway, I decided to save those ideas for a later date and go with the one I first came up with. I used the TARDIS's meddling tendencies-

Ten: But the TARDIS is a machine! Yes, she's alive, but she doesn't meddle.

Donna: So you say Doctor, but there's certainly something going on with that ship. Don't try to deny it.

Me: ::clears throat:: I'm trying to find a way to get the two of you over your self-deprecating hangups so you can be together-

Ten/Donna: We are not a couple!

Me: Methinks the Time Lord and Lady doth protest too much.

Ten/Donna: …

Me: Anyways, that's where I'm trying to get to with this story, but I can't figure out much more than that, because every time I try and keep going all you do is fight about what he did to you!

Donna: Well he did completely betray my trust when I would rather have DIED.

Ten: But Donna you know I really had no choice! I couldn't let you die!

Donna: But it wasn't your choice to make, Doctor! It was mine, and I made it- but you stopped me. You made me settle, worse than that you made me live a life that I didn't want!

Ten: Why are you on her side all of a sudden? It's your brain she's trying to mess with.

Donna: What, like you did? Let me tell you something, Doctor, just because you're the last Time Lord in existence doesn't mean you have the right to go around doing whatever you want to other people. You are not a god no matter how powerful you may be!

Ten: I never said I was! And why are you attacking me all of a sudden?! We're here to talk to her.

Me: STOP IT! That's my problem. Every time I try and get the two of you to a happy, fluffy place, all you do is fight about what happened at the Medusa Cascade. So how are we going to get you to a point where you can go back to being semi-civil to one another?

Ten: …

Donna: ...

A/N: So yeah, that's where I'm at right now. Fingers crossed that one day my fic will see the light of day...

Prom Dress!

morganfm — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 19:11:01 GMT

I love how TARDIS-y it is. It was the very first dress I saw and tried on, and it was perfect! Whaddya think? =D

(I also made another purchase at the mall the same day- red high top converse!)

The Ultimate Hero Is (Definitely) a Madman With a Box

morganfm — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 12:31:29 GMT

A/N: FINALLY done with my school paper about DW! Thought y'all might like to see the finished product, just for funsies ;)

The British Museum is full of history and culture. Wonders from all over the world and throughout time are on display, and each is significant for a different reason. Imagine exploring this massive establishment for the first time, wandering through room after room of ancient artefacts. Over in one display case is a small screen, playing a clip from some TV show on a loop. A plaque on the right helpfully states that the unusual banknote above the player was a prop used in that scene. The video starts over.

People are running around in a street with money flying through the air. The bizarre scene fades to black, and words come up on the screen: “Doctor Who, The Runaway Bride, 2006” (British Museum). This display, featured in a section entitled “Money in media”, is an example of the expression of social themes in television, for instance, greed – or so the plaque says. However, despite the apparent randomness of the example, it is only fitting that this incredibly influential form of media be represented in some way due to its role in popular culture.

The change in technology and its influence that has occurred over the past fifty years is staggering. Less than a lifetime ago, black and white TVs displayed Neil Armstrong's first step onto the moon. Since then mail has given way to email, rotary phones to iPhones, and newspapers to twitter. Today's society is dominated by media – internet, music, films, and television are virtually inescapable, and they influence our lives on a massive scale. Television in particular has a resonating effect on our culture. We reflect what we surround ourselves with and view as entertainment.

The presence of the aforementioned exhibit in the British Museum is perfectly understandable in light of this impact that television has on modern life. The intrigue of this artefact from the recent past lies not, therefore, in it being a video player among Greek statues, but rather in the particular clip that was chosen. This display is the only one in the entire museum to feature a video. Since each and every piece has its own significance and reason for being included, how did the curators choose what moment of television is the best representation of the genre's collective influence? Why, out of all shows, would Doctor Who be chosen as the symbol of how television affects society?

The answer is because Doctor Who is the most positively influential show of all – at least in the UK, though its global reach has grown rapidly in recent years. It surpasses mere entertainment and is an integral part of British culture. A popular English tradition involves watching the BBC broadcast of holiday specials on Christmas Day – a lineup which has featured contributions from Doctor Who, such as 'The Runaway Bride', on and off for decades. The show's appeal and influence do not lie in marketing strategies and statistics, but in its essence. Doctor Who bridges gaps to bring people together, and opens them up to thinking about new ideas. It provides the ultimate hero for mankind: a madman in a box, protecting and encouraging the best of humanity.

Doctor Who is about an alien called “the Doctor” who travels with various companions through all of time and space. He is a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey; he has two hearts and is over a thousand years old. The TARDIS is his ship that looks like a 1960's blue Police Box, but it's bigger on the inside. The Doctor has had many different faces, because a Time Lord can regenerate when dying – a process which involves physically restructuring the cells of his body, giving him with an entirely different appearance and personality while still remaining the same person. No matter what quirks his regeneration has, like wearing celery, shouting 'Allon-sy!', offering jelly babies to everyone he meets, or constantly flapping his hands about, the Doctor always holds to a strong moral code. He abhors violence, and avoids it if at all possible, but he will always take a stand to defend others. A sonic screwdriver is his non-weapon of choice. It opens doors and scans brainwaves and does pretty much anything else, as long as it doesn't have to do with wood.

The Doctor has lived for a very long time, and seen some terrible things. In the Last Great Time War, his home planet was destroyed, leaving him as the very last of the Time Lords. He has lost friends and made impossible choices. But, as one of his companions observed, “What if you were really old, and really kind and alone? Your whole race dead, no future. What couldn't you do then? If you were that old, and that kind, and the very last of your kind... you couldn't just stand there and watch children cry” (Moffat, “Beast”). That's why the Doctor “saves planets, rescues civilizations, defeats terrible creatures, and runs a lot. Seriously, there's an outrageous amount of running involved” (Greenhorn). When asked what he is running from, he answered “I'm not running away. But this is one corner of one country on one continent on one planet that's a corner of a galaxy that's a corner of a universe that is forever growing and shrinking and creating and destroying and never remaining the same for a single millisecond, and there is so much, so much, to see, Amy. Because it goes so fast. I'm not running away from things, I am running to them. Before they flare and fade forever” (Chibnall, “Power”).

He has been running since November 23, 1963, when the TARDIS first appeared in a junkyard, and the Doctor essentially kidnapped his granddaughter's two nosy schoolteachers. Though the path to creating this first episode was troubled, throughout the series' long history it has repeatedly faced and overcome numerous problems that have been the death of other programmes. Doctor Who faced several developmental challenges, such as an inadequate budget, repeatedly delayed launch, “disputes over resources and scripts” later “referred to as the 'Dr Who hassle'”, suggestions that it be aborted because it was “too ambitious”, allocation to a “notoriously poorly equipped studio”, and “lack of confidence […] at the Controller level” (Chapman 21). All these issues stemmed from the inherent uncertainty of a show that was unlike anything that had ever been attempted before. Thankfully, those who were dedicated to the project and saw its potential kept it going.

The first episode, 'An Unearthly Child', aired inauspiciously in the wake of President Kennedy's assassination, but it wasn't long before Doctor Who spread like wildfire. The second story arc, which aired hardly more than a month later, introduced the Doctor's greatest nemesis – a race called the Daleks, whose popularity may very well be responsible for the show's survival in those early days. Essentially, the Daleks are everything that the Doctor is not. They have always been portrayed with a discernible undertone of Nazism – Daleks' primary goal is to “Ex-ter-min-ate” every non-Dalek form of life in the universe. These pepper-pot shaped anti-heroes became incredibly popular in the mid-60s, so much so that for a period of time there was a general “Dalekmania!”, and they inspired songs such as “I Wanna Spend Christmas with a Dalek” by the Go Gos. The famously evil creatures made Doctor Who a household
name, and kept it from being cancelled during its first year.

However, it is important to understand and differentiate between 'how' and 'why' the show has become so popular and widespread. 'How' is a matter of budgets and marketing, a discussion of business plans and strategies. While these are important to the television industry, they are not the critical ingredients that make a show successful. The survival of a programme relies ultimately on the dedication of its fans, and by extension its ability to inspire such loyalty. This is an area in which Doctor Who has excelled, primarily through the characterization of its title role. Over the years the programme has shown itself to be a “popular work of social criticism”, espousing a strong moral code, “cultural sensitivity and curiosity”, fairness, and reason, rather than force or violence (Pless 357,6). The Doctor is a champion of “the triumph of romance and intellect over brute force and cynicism” (Jaramillo).

For as long as man has been around we have created heroes for ourselves, “mystical people slightly better than the rest of us, who can serve as intermediaries between our ideals and us, and in so doing, show us how to really live” (Pless 351). In the last fifty years, television and popular media have seriously upped the scale from oral tradition and local lore, to massive international sagas. People tend to gravitate towards figures that espouse their own values, and “in Britain, […] the national hero has most decidedly been the Doctor, from Doctor Who” (Pless 351). Why this show has become so important was summed up quite elegantly by the current (as of 2014) showrunner Steven Moffat, in a panel following the 50^th Anniversary Special of the show. He said, “History tells us who we used to be, documentaries tell us who we are now; but heroes tell us who we WANT to be. And a lot of our heroes depress me. But when they made [the Doctor], they didn't give him a gun – they gave him a screwdriver to fix things. They didn't give him a tank or a warship or an x-wing fighter – they gave him a box from which you can call for help. And they didn't give him a superpower or pointy ears or a heat-ray – they gave him an extra HEART. They gave him two hearts! And that's an extraordinary thing. There will never come a time when we don't need a hero like the Doctor” (Doctor Who).

Moffat's words present one aspect of the concept puzzled over by critics and fans alike – what is Doctor Who's captivating quality? One opinion frequently expressed is that it is the programme's ability to change and adapt, perfectly symbolised by the literal regeneration of the Doctor in the show's mythos. Others claim it's the infinite possibility of having all of time and space to explore that keeps Doctor Who entrenched in our culture. Some believe that the way the programme covers so many diverse debates such as morality, ethics, and what it means to be human is the reason. There's a veritable library of works on the subject, ranging from Doctor Who: The Unfolding Text (1983), to Time and Relative Dissertations in Space: Critical Perspectives on 'Doctor Who' (2007), and Doctor Who and Philosophy: Bigger on the Inside (2010). Though each of these examples focuses on a different aspect of the programme, they all call into question what it is about Doctor Who that makes it uniquely influential.

Even the Time Lord's name sets him apart from other heroes. It sums up his character and what he stands for. Once, in a conversation with another Time Lord called the Master, he said that choosing your own name was a “psychiatrist's field day”, to which the Master replied, “As you chose yours – the man who makes people better. How sanctimonious is that?” (Davies). While he intended it as a taunt, the Master was right – the Doctor constantly tries to make people better. “'Doctor' – the word for 'healer' and 'wise man' throughout the universe,” another character told him, “We get that word from you, you know”(Moffat, “Good”). When the Doctor chose his name, it was a promise: “Never cruel or cowardly. Never give up. Never give in” (Moffat, “Day”). That is who the Doctor is, and why he is so loved – because of what he stands for.

Over the last fifty years, Doctor Who has touched and influenced countless lives. In just 2005, this show fought its way back from a sixteen year cancellation during which it survived only through the commitment of its fans. When it returned it did so explosively – garnering the affections of a whole new generation, while retaining the love of those who had hid behind their couches in fear as children themselves. In the 21^st century Doctor Who has reached new heights of popularity, spreading throughout the world and gaining influence across the pond via BBC America. Last year on November 23^rd, 2013 Doctor Who set a Guinness World Record for the biggest TV drama simulcast after its 50^th Anniversary Special, The Day of the Doctor, was aired in 94 countries across six continents, and in over 1500 cinemas (Lynch). The Editor-In-Chief of Guinness World Records, Chris Glenday, said “This outstanding achievement is a testament to the fact that the longest running sci-fi TV show in history is not just a well-loved UK institution but a truly global success adored by millions of people” (Lynch).

All this goes to show that, whether we know exactly why or not, Doctor Who is without compare when it comes to influential modern media. This show of hope, wonder, caring, and change is only affecting more of the world as time goes on. At its hearts, Doctor Who is for everyone, everywhen, and everything. The world knows we need the Doctor, because he is the ultimate hero: he inspires us to “be the best of humanity” (Chibnall, “Cold”).

Works Cited

Chapman, James. Inside the TARDIS: The Worlds of Doctor Who. 2nd ed. London: I.B. Tauris, 2013. Print.

Chibnall, Chris. "Cold Blood." Doctor Who. Dir. Ashley Way. BBC. 29 May 2010. Television.

Chibnall, Chris. "The Power of Three." Doctor Who. Dir. Douglas Mackinnon. BBC. London, 22 Sept. 2012. Television.

Davies, Russell T. "The Sound of Drums." Doctor Who. Dir. Colin Teague. BBC. London, 27 June 2007. Television.

Doctor Who. “Matt Smith's Final Panel – Full Q&A – The Eleventh Hour – Doctor Who 50^th Anniversary.” Online video. YouTube. YouTube, 04 Mar. 2014. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.

Greenhorn, Stephen. "The Doctor's Daughter." Doctor Who. Dir. Alice Troughton. BBC. London, 06 June 2008. Television.

Jaramillo, Vincent. “Craig Ferguson – The lost “Dr. Who” cold open.” Online video. YouTube. YouTube, 01 Dec. 2010. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.

Lynch, Kevin. "Doctor Who - Day of the Doctor Sets World Record for Biggest TV Drama Simulcast." Guinness World Records. Guinness World Records Limited, 25 Nov. 2013. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.

Moffat, Steven. "The Day of the Doctor." Doctor Who. Dir. Nick Hurran. BBC. London, 23 Nov. 2013. Television.

Moffat, Steven. "The Beast Below." Doctor Who. Dir. Andrew Gunn. BBC. London, 10 Apr. 2010. Television.

Moffat, Steven. "A Good Man Goes to War." Doctor Who. Dir. Peter Hoar. BBC. London, 4 June 2011. Television.

Pless, Deborah. "The Decline and Fall of the British Empire, Sponsored by TARDIS." Doctor Who and Philosophy: Bigger on the Inside. Ed. Courtland Lewis and Paula J. Smithka. Vol. 55. Chicago: Open Court, 2013. 351-59. Print. Popular Culture and Philosophy.

DW Dreams

morganfm — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 12:07:32 GMT

do you ever wake up in the morning, not remembering what you dreamt about but with your head so full of Doctor Who stuff it makes it really hard to get ready? the hazy dream-to-reality transition is not helped by a healthy dose of Timey-Wimey. it's really hard to get up sometimes... ::sigh::

Posted via LiveJournal app for Android.

The Tardis Is the Fandom

morganfm — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 22:05:56 GMT

I've just had a revelation! The Tardis is the Doctor Who fandom!!! Think about it:
The Fandom and the TARDIS:
absolutely mad
so much bigger on the inside
inexplicably complicated
wish they could have the Doctor all to themself ;)
stole/are stealing the Doctor and running off with him to see the universe (even if it's only through ff or RP)
the ones who take him where he needs to go when the Doctor (or showrunners) think they're in charge
a machine (or social construct), but also alive
there for him when all hope seems lost, waiting for another adventure
brand new and ancient
finicky
always changing
sometimes they mess up their tenses
completely committed to the Doctor
when he dies, the dimensions start leaking, getting even bigger on the outside
see everything that's happening, but can't talk to the characters and point out what they're doing all wrong
incredibly stubborn
not at all what you expect from looking at it
nearly put a dent in the 80s (starjargon)
gutted when Nine regenerated (starjargon)
and when Donna turned right (starjargon)
and crashed when Ten regenerated, spitefully kept the Doctor to ourselves for an extended period of time, then rejected him before pulling ourselves together, letting the new him in and growing to love him
just wanted to say "Hello. Hello Doctor, it's so very nice to meet you"
the Doctor is always messing around and fooling with our circuitry/emotions
***

I'm sure there are dozens more parallels, but you get the point ;)
This came to me when I started thinking about how ff writers seem to enjoy writing a meddling TARDIS into their stories, and I realized that the TARDIS meddling was an extension of the writer's meddling and it all came together!

A/N: will be updated and added to because this is too much fun to leave alone, so please comment with your suggestions! I'll credit you in the list.

welcome to my mind

school is hard

calm down, take a Deep Breath...

having hair like Alex Kingston's :)

on the subject of Soundtrack Covers

thanks to hyperfocusing, here- have a DW Series 1 Soundtrack Album Cover.

my fandom roster is growing. again.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAH! [my freakout told in DW gifs to make it better]

Moving Forward (1/?) - Free to Go

lookie what I found XD

*happy dancing*

WANTED: Rogue Muse has Absconded with NaNoWriMo Fanfic

Camp NaNoWriMo Doctor Who fanfic cabin

I'm Going To Camp! XD

DW- Allsorts Table Prompt XD

former prisoner of the Sycorax

fanpics

out of the wardrobe again

attempting to conquer writer's block

Prom Dress!

The Ultimate Hero Is (Definitely) a Madman With a Box

DW Dreams

The Tardis Is the Fandom

happy dancing