The Doctor does step carefully, and with hands in his pockets (to keep from unwanted fiddling, of course), immediately begins looking around, studying even the panels in the ceiling. It's not that he doesn't trust Samus; he's simply been in far too many sorts of severe-looking rooms like this to go without learning his surroundings.
He squints at the lettering on the far compartment wall, already missing the proximity to his TARDIS as he has to actually remember whether or not he knows this language. It looks familiar, but perhaps he's rusty- the only symbol he can make out is that for 'Gamma.' Well, then.
"May I ask what these are for?" he inquires, having wandered to the table covered in odd implements, his curiosity focused mostly on the earpieces.
"I honestly don't know what they do," Ali admits, having followed the Doctor and currently rummaging in her bag. "I just know what order I have to use things in. I don't think I've ever used those earbuds before."
The octopus is being helpful today, because one of the objects being waved about by tentacles seems to be what she wants. Once she can pry the oversized plastic glasses from her assistant(?), she offers them to the Doctor. "Here, these will translate for you."
He takes the glasses curiously, far more accustomed to his, though he's got a feeling his won't do half the good these will in such a different place. He arranges them on his face, blinking rapidly to get accustomed to the odd topographical (so it seems) changes in his vision, and squints at the compartment again. "How interesting," he murmurs, intrigued.
"Er, well, that depends on what must go where," he responds after having taken them off again. "My physiology follows basic designs, but there are a few differences that seem to have caused a start in the past."
*Some hours and a delicious meal later, they make a much smoother descent to Aether's surface than on Samus' previous visit. (The absence of world-scouring thunderstorms may be an aid in that direction.) Landing at the periphery of some kind of temple complex, they disembark to clear blue skies, gentle breezes, and the sweet fragrance of alien flowers. Welcome, Doctor, to a planet that doesn't much resemble a Welsh quarry. Their only welcoming party, however, is the silent monoliths that dot the temple grounds.*
Here we are, Aether, better than when I left it. Ah, let me know if you see any big wasps, there was a little problem with them before.
Ali takes in the scene, and the scent, with a smile. It is a beautiful and serene spot, and makes her inclined to relax. Samus' warning about the wasps is well-timed in that regard, and Ali tucks a hand under her himation. "The shoot-on-sight sort of problem?"
When the Doctor disembarks, he tucks his hands into his pockets and breathes deeply- another sign, Samus may someday learn, of a pretty hardy sort of trust- enjoying the clear day for as long as he's got a hold of it, as he doesn't know where they're headed from here. His hesitation to leave the ship at first was more one of unease, having been accustomed to the atmosphere scanners of the TARDIS; he's quite thankful, however, that he overcame that and exited of his own accord after all.
He studies the landscape and the architecture, doing a good job of not searching for the natives like some ignorant tourist. He'll have plenty of time to face them them politely in the near future, he expects. However... "Wasps?" he inquires, raising a brow.
*Samus has opted to answer Ali's question first, but will clarify for the doctor's sake.*
War wasps. The size of your leg, plus wings. In armor, they're a nuisance. Hopefully, the Luminoth will have cleared them out of the temple grounds by now, but I don't trust my life to hope--or yours. Shall we?
*She prowls toward the entrance, a gaping arch flanked by huge caryatids of moth-like bipeds--presumably the Luminoth they seek. Within the temple, sculptural pieces emit nebulous glows or sharp beams of light at key places, making the play of light and shadow as much a part of the sculpture as the matter itself.*
*Also within the temple, stepping into view from where it stood in the shadows, is one of the creatures seen in the statues outside. Like two enormous feathers, the frilled antennae on its head wave back and forth as it surveys the new arrivals.*
*The evening passed as Samus filled Ali in on the situation; both the offer she and the Doctor had made, and the origins of the Luminoth's current situation. Questions were answered, a meal was had (from the ship's supplies; their hosts neither offered nor partook), and rest was taken. Their vigil, after all, would not even begin until and unless the Luminoth agreed. Morning brought them back to the Great Temple in time to meet the Doctor as the stasis pod was opened. K-Vus, too, was in attendance, seeming weary but pleased.*
Now rested and caught up on the situation, Ali is in bright spirits come morning. It is a new day full of potential, even if a great deal of that potential may end up being babysitting keeping a disoriented Doctor company. She's never been in a stasis pod, but she can't imagine that the Doctor is going to be in the best sort of shape when he emerges. To that end, she's prepared the best way she knows how: she's brought tea and breakfast for him.
"And remember, Samus," she remarks as they wait, "you have my full permission to sit on him while I feed him, if it comes to that."
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He squints at the lettering on the far compartment wall, already missing the proximity to his TARDIS as he has to actually remember whether or not he knows this language. It looks familiar, but perhaps he's rusty- the only symbol he can make out is that for 'Gamma.' Well, then.
"May I ask what these are for?" he inquires, having wandered to the table covered in odd implements, his curiosity focused mostly on the earpieces.
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The octopus is being helpful today, because one of the objects being waved about by tentacles seems to be what she wants. Once she can pry the oversized plastic glasses from her assistant(?), she offers them to the Doctor. "Here, these will translate for you."
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*Samus had been following the Doctor's gaze.*
For those who don't know the local languages. The visors do the same for--oh, you're lending him yours?
*The question is directed at Ali.*
And you'll start decontam with a shot from the hypo. Do you prefer to dose yourself or have one of us do it?
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"Er, well, that depends on what must go where," he responds after having taken them off again. "My physiology follows basic designs, but there are a few differences that seem to have caused a start in the past."
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Here we are, Aether, better than when I left it. Ah, let me know if you see any big wasps, there was a little problem with them before.
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He studies the landscape and the architecture, doing a good job of not searching for the natives like some ignorant tourist. He'll have plenty of time to face them them politely in the near future, he expects. However... "Wasps?" he inquires, raising a brow.
Reply
*Samus has opted to answer Ali's question first, but will clarify for the doctor's sake.*
War wasps. The size of your leg, plus wings. In armor, they're a nuisance. Hopefully, the Luminoth will have cleared them out of the temple grounds by now, but I don't trust my life to hope--or yours. Shall we?
*She prowls toward the entrance, a gaping arch flanked by huge caryatids of moth-like bipeds--presumably the Luminoth they seek. Within the temple, sculptural pieces emit nebulous glows or sharp beams of light at key places, making the play of light and shadow as much a part of the sculpture as the matter itself.*
*Also within the temple, stepping into view from where it stood in the shadows, is one of the creatures seen in the statues outside. Like two enormous feathers, the frilled antennae on its head wave back and forth as it surveys the new arrivals.*
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[Signs remain stable; opening the pod now.]
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"And remember, Samus," she remarks as they wait, "you have my full permission to sit on him while I feed him, if it comes to that."
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