Adventuring Survival Tactics, Period 4, 2/23/07
Since the Doctor had beanbags out Rose left it as is, if it worked for the Doctor who was she to change things?
Rose smiled at the class, gesturing for them to sit. "Hullo, before you all go scattering to the four winds thinkin' you've stepped into the wrong class let me assure you that you are in the right class. The Doctor asked me to speak to you lot and before anyone asks for qualifications my short version would be because once, long ago, I used to travel with him."
"I'm sure the Doctor's been chatting you lot up about his adventures and his advice, which really are brilliant but mind you, not always right. I can say first hand that the Doctor on more than one occasion needs help. It's why he always travels with an entourage, oh he'll moan about stupid apes gettin' in trouble all the time but the reverse is also true. You've no idea what trouble he could get up to when left alone.
Another reason he always has companions is because it's always best when travelling to have someone with you. Seeing the wonders of the universe by your lonesome is just that-- lonely."
She leaned against the Doctor's desk, crossing her arms in an uncanny imitation of the Doctor.
"So, let's say you've struck up a fancy to go out travellin', having adventures and then the thought comes, 'I'd like to bring some mates along with me, but who?' Well, lucky for you I've some experience on that matter, here are some of what I think are requirements in choosing companions: First and foremost you have to know you can trust your companion beyond doubt because you'll be put in situations where absolute trust is warranted. What if you don't you ask? That's the thing about travelling (and living together) you either learn to trust the other person or not at all. Oh, and yeah, about the living together thing? You really have to know if you can stand to be alone with a group/person/team for a long time because they're the only company you'll have for days, weeks, months, years and sometimes centuries." Rose waggled her eyebrows, "Scarier than a marriage that."
"After trust another basic requirement the other person should have is curiousity. Sure, it'd get you trouble most times but to not ask at all is an even bigger crime. Better to ask the question, poke around, be observant and ask why mauve is the universal colour for danger (which it is, by the way). And after asking the next best thing would have to be proactive because it's not enough to ask, you also have to ask on those questions. Remember, the worst evils are committed because good people do nothing to stop evil.
You should also learn to apply that to your captain/leader person. You shouldn't be afraid to challenge them or poke their egos. Trust me in my time as the Doctor's companion I've done my bit of poking. The way he is and I'm sure you've all been privy to the ego. As I've said, he's brilliant and he does deserve some credit but once in a while I give his ego a bit of poke other wise the TARDIS' control room would be cramped."
Rose looked at the class, eyes glittering with mischief, "So, you lot have blanket permission from me to rib him a bit. If he sulks and calls you a stupid ape or whatever clever insult he has on hand, tell him I've given permission.
So, how's our list going so far? Trust, curiousity, proactivty and the ability to poke someone's ego. We should also add imaginative to that list. Thinkin' outside the box has helped me in more than one occasion. Fresh eyes and fresh minds. It's why bringin' in new perspective's always helpful in a crisis the new people always manage to find a new angle to a problem." Rose leaned closer, as if about to impart a great secret, "But the important, absolute important attribute your companion should have is a love of adventure, of discovery. A willingness to go to new places and horizons, to step out a little further into the darkness and find out what's hiding there. Could be frightening, could be the end of your life but mankind never benefited from stayin' around in caves and standing still. Exploration, discovery that's what makes us great that urge to go farther, faster than the last. To be better."
Her voice tapered off to silence, anyone could tell that the topic was close to Rose's heart.
"Now, I've told you my qualifications for a travelling companion, I want to hear about yours. What qualities do you think are necessary for a fellow travelling companion?"
(please wait for OCD up!)