“Negotiations. How I despise them.” Arthur was nonplussed by Uther’s pronouncement. “The delegation from Thule…” “…Has nothing of worth for Camelot. Trade? They want our produce and offer mere trinkets in return. An alliance? Our kingdoms are separated by rough seas, and though we both beset by rivals we have not mutual enemies.” “What ifContinue reading “The Calculus of Diplomacy”
Author Archives: Allyn
On the Origins of Trifling Knowledge
I had long admired Holmes’ ability to distinguish the varieties of cigarette ash by sight, but it was not until the affair of Lord Bassington’s manservant that I questioned the origins of Holmes’ knowledge. “Personal experience,” said he. “What may seem as trivial knowledge began, absent noble reasons, in my university days with the searchContinue reading “On the Origins of Trifling Knowledge”
Orders
From:� Satie, Norah, Rear Admiral To:� Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain In light of recent actions undertaken by yourself and the Time Lord known as the Doctor on stardate 37141.5 in halting and destroying the Krynoid foliage overrunning the Berengaria VII colony, you are hereby authorized for detached assignment aboard the Doctor’s craft known as the TARDIS,Continue reading “Orders”
Comparative Religions
Shortly after Merlin’s arrival in Camelot, he asked Gaius to explain the differences between the “Old Religion” and the religion practiced by the king — Christianity. This proved a mistake. Gaius droned on for hours, only embaffling Merlin with excessive detail. Merlin considered asking Prince Arthur the next day, then decided his curiosity would promptContinue reading “Comparative Religions”
Between Planets
“Collision alert!” the Doctor shouted above the din of alarms. The TARDIS lurched. Nyssa clutched the console, attempting to steady herself. The Doctor, somehow, stood fixed, his hands flying across the controls the bring the ship safely from the vortex. “Collision? With what? Where are we, Doctor?” “Earth’s solar system, somewhere between Earth and Mars. Continue reading “Between Planets”
On the Cusp of History
Many times in his life the Doctor had been on the cusp of battle. But never like this. The TARDIS was hundreds of miles away in London. There would be no escape for him as bullets flew, as cannonshot fell. His life could easily end here, on the deck of Victory. His companion, much shorterContinue reading “On the Cusp of History”
Scientific Study
“Precise experimentation,” said Holmes one morning, and then: “You wondered how I came by my ritual seven percent solution of cocaine.” “Holmes!” I exclaimed, for his surmise was correct. “I note, Watson, that you are reading this month’s Lancet, which advises a tincture of ten percent, and then your gaze falls upon the desk whereContinue reading “Scientific Study”
After Reichenbach
I had been not long returned from Switzerland when, one afternoon after making my rounds, my travels brought me by Holmes’ old lodgings in Baker Street. Mrs. Hudson, our former landlady, greeted me warmly and we spoke for some time. “I began to tidy up his things,” said she, “until a telegram arrived from hisContinue reading “After Reichenbach”
Bleacher Creatures
“I can’t believe you wore that,” Peri said. “How was I to know?” the Doctor said indignantly, raising his voice to shout above those jeering at him. Peri frowned. “You could have asked.” “Did you not say, ‘Let’s go to a baseball game.’ Is this not the proper attire?” He gestured at the cap andContinue reading “Bleacher Creatures”
Appreciating John Hurt’s Tenure as The Doctor
Over on TrekBBS, there was some discussion last night and today about John Hurt’s tenure as the Doctor. A poster by the handle of Newspaper Taxi kicked it off: I don’t really see a lot of people talk about the Hurt serials that ran from ’01 to ’05. I really felt that the show tookContinue reading “Appreciating John Hurt’s Tenure as The Doctor”