Finally, something went right. Tonight, for a while at least, the band got back together and had a perfect gig. Solis, Sputter, Terry, and myself undertook a very dangerous experiment that went off... almost... without a hitch.
Our mission was two fold. Allow me complete telepathic access to the SASTAP systems, while purging – and perhaps capturing for future use – the last remnants of the Great Vampire disease left in my main systems.
Terry watched for intruders while Oolon maintained recently activated Type 30 systems completely manually. Thank Rassilon for that brain of his. Solis opened a gateway for me, and for a time.... I was me again.
I had complete access. I could see all the wondrous systems and abilities of this great ship at my disposal. All of Time and Space, a mere thought away. Alas, it was short lived, as Solis encountered the Vampire program faster than anticipated. We returned her to the Zero Room, where she is still coming to terms with the beast that now resides inside.
When I was last infected, I was little more than an infant organic in Timelords terms. I was ill equipped to deal with the carnal, primal emotions and instincts of the Vampire. But Solis is stronger, more experienced, and has been getting training in mental discipline from Phaon. She can handle it.
We now have a force of true power on our side. We all know that the final confrontation between the two Dalek factions is coming, and we know we still have much to do before we are prepared. Solis is still coping with reigning in her beast at the moment, but we are secure that she will have great power at her disposal when the time comes.
As for myself, there was a price for my journey. Some 300 odd years worth. I'm looking more and more like Oolon everyday, with this incarnation having racked up over 600 years. The price is worth it, however. We now know that the almost limitless power of the SASTAP can be at our disposal whenever we need it, as long as I'm willing to sacrifice this incarnation of which I've grown quite fond.
Tuesday
Part 30 - New Desktop Theme
Part 30 – New Desktop Theme
As I continue to do more exploration of the SASTAP systems from within the Zero Room, I'm finding some disturbing... pieces. It seems that shadows of my original consciousness – shadows, if you will – are still left behind inside the computer. These bits of myself are, evidently, still in survival mode. Shunning any efforts by my organic self to explore deeper into protected systems. If I wish to return someday to my original home, I must purge the system.
I think I discovered a solution. During my initial travels with Phaon, I merged with parts of a Type 30 TTC in order to complete/repair my construction. I am going to isolate the entire SASTAP computer sub-systems, and bring the old Type 30 systems online as the mainline controls. This will allow me to... interact, for lack of a better term, with the original SASTAP systems in isolation without threatening the ship's superstructure and main systems.
So, for a while at least, the SASTAP interior is going retro.
As I continue to do more exploration of the SASTAP systems from within the Zero Room, I'm finding some disturbing... pieces. It seems that shadows of my original consciousness – shadows, if you will – are still left behind inside the computer. These bits of myself are, evidently, still in survival mode. Shunning any efforts by my organic self to explore deeper into protected systems. If I wish to return someday to my original home, I must purge the system.
I think I discovered a solution. During my initial travels with Phaon, I merged with parts of a Type 30 TTC in order to complete/repair my construction. I am going to isolate the entire SASTAP computer sub-systems, and bring the old Type 30 systems online as the mainline controls. This will allow me to... interact, for lack of a better term, with the original SASTAP systems in isolation without threatening the ship's superstructure and main systems.
So, for a while at least, the SASTAP interior is going retro.
Monday
Part 29 – Some Retrospective Exploration
I've been spending a lot of time in the Zero Room recently, attempting some experiments Phaon taught me. Phaon, of course, is a master telepath. Perhaps one of Gallifrey's greatest. On a related note, the technology of a Zero chamber basically removes a Timelord's consciousness and stores it in a temporary buffer in the computer, allowing a brain to heal post-regeneration without the need to maintain a physical body.
Put these two things together, and inside the zero chamber I get to be... me. I can shed my physical form and expand into the computer as I was originally intended to. Of course, I only have access to a small portion of the computer, if I wander too far away I endanger my physical being.
However, I am learning. I am... connecting. There may come a time when something more than a mere physical Timelord body is needed. When this time comes, I believe I will be ready.
Put these two things together, and inside the zero chamber I get to be... me. I can shed my physical form and expand into the computer as I was originally intended to. Of course, I only have access to a small portion of the computer, if I wander too far away I endanger my physical being.
However, I am learning. I am... connecting. There may come a time when something more than a mere physical Timelord body is needed. When this time comes, I believe I will be ready.
Tuesday
Part 28 - Alliance
It passed. A vote to ally ourselves with the Daleks. Barely, by one vote. Oolon’s plan is to ally ourselves with the weaker of the two Dalek factions in order to wipe out the stronger. A simple plan. Many on the council objected, believing the weaker faction would undoubtedly turn on us.
Oolon and I are thankful it passed without the need to reveal all of the facts. This Dalek faction may indeed turn on us – but it is of little concern. These Daleks were created in SL space by none other than our former Castellan Drillon. They were an experiment. Drillon introduced a “kill switch” into their genetic makeup. Hoping they would eventually become the dominate Dalek faction, then the High Council could simply “turn them off.”
The former Council exiled him and his Daleks for his plan. I can’t argue with them – it was a brutal series of experiments. However, what’s done is done. These Daleks are here, and are a force to be reckoned with. We will continue on with Drillon’s plan, and are in fact counting on the betrayal of these Daleks – but not until the Paradigm faction that recently arrived here from N-Space is destroyed.
Of course, leave it to the Prydonians to mess things up. Their new Cardinal (both Solis and The Angel are off on long term business for the Council) is brazen and manipulative. A typical Prydon. Evidently this divisive House is up to its old tricks. Not content to let our democratic Council function, they are forming an army in “secret” to attack our new allies. Fools. This young, arrogant, and equally ignorant leader seems to forget who and what I am.
Just like Rassilon did during the Time War, the short sighted, power hungry self-righteousness of this House now threatens our very existence here. I will deal with these Prydonians – or specifically *this* Pyrdonian – quickly, and harshly.
Oolon and I are thankful it passed without the need to reveal all of the facts. This Dalek faction may indeed turn on us – but it is of little concern. These Daleks were created in SL space by none other than our former Castellan Drillon. They were an experiment. Drillon introduced a “kill switch” into their genetic makeup. Hoping they would eventually become the dominate Dalek faction, then the High Council could simply “turn them off.”
The former Council exiled him and his Daleks for his plan. I can’t argue with them – it was a brutal series of experiments. However, what’s done is done. These Daleks are here, and are a force to be reckoned with. We will continue on with Drillon’s plan, and are in fact counting on the betrayal of these Daleks – but not until the Paradigm faction that recently arrived here from N-Space is destroyed.
Of course, leave it to the Prydonians to mess things up. Their new Cardinal (both Solis and The Angel are off on long term business for the Council) is brazen and manipulative. A typical Prydon. Evidently this divisive House is up to its old tricks. Not content to let our democratic Council function, they are forming an army in “secret” to attack our new allies. Fools. This young, arrogant, and equally ignorant leader seems to forget who and what I am.
Just like Rassilon did during the Time War, the short sighted, power hungry self-righteousness of this House now threatens our very existence here. I will deal with these Prydonians – or specifically *this* Pyrdonian – quickly, and harshly.
Sunday
Part 27 – Time to clean house
Last evening, the Inner Council officially returned home. I have written already about some of the activities that Oolon, Solis, and myself have been engaged in during the months since our return.
We were waiting for Victor to begin the meeting before arriving – it was his to call to order, after all. So we were chatting in the SASTAP console room with the exterior phased, able to hear the meeting. I was simply appalled at the way Victor was being treated. Being heckled, called out, and overall disrespected.
We formed New Gallifrey to bring the Timelords together. Those sitting at the Council table are there willingly, in an effort to rebuild our society in this place. But you wouldn’t know it.
Now, I understand that Victor was a divisive choice. However, the three of us thought long and hard about it. Victor is cynical, hard-edged, and often flies in the face of tradition. However, he is also brilliant, loyal, and a bit selfish. As President, preserving the reputation and the very existence of New Gallifrey suddenly becomes a case of self preservation, something Victor is exceedingly good at. He is also very well connected and resourceful.
There is no one in SL whom I trust more to deliver New Gallifrey back to us healthy and intact. And that is exactly what he did. Divisive or not, he was our choice to fill my shoes. Obviously, this decision was not respected. I have the feeling that, without the Sash, half the Council would have taken pot shots at him.
Of course, choosing Victor was also a bit of a test. Was my authority simply based on my age and power? Or am I actually respected in my own right as the President? Rule should not be fear based. The Lord President should be a unifying figure through mutual respect. If my choice for replacement was instantly disrespected, then who is to say any of my other decisions have been met with any honest approval whatsoever? I am happy to say the test worked like a charm. I am now fully aware of whom I can trust, and whom I cannot.
I fear that many of these Timelords are not capable of the emotional maturity necessary to help Timelord society evolve past the mistakes that got us whipped out in normal space.
Oolon seems to have been profoundly affected by his experience in the Last Day. 66,430 times… I can’t say I blame him. He actually proposes a diplomatic meeting with the Daleks. I understand, and agree, that our efforts here need to follow a different path. I am beginning to believe that his hand made brain is in need of regeneration, however, if he thinks Daleks can be reasoned with.
However, there is little harm in trying. While Oolon undertakes efforts of diplomacy, I will be studying the Daleks for evidence to support or deny Solis’ theory on the recent Dalek buildup.
We were waiting for Victor to begin the meeting before arriving – it was his to call to order, after all. So we were chatting in the SASTAP console room with the exterior phased, able to hear the meeting. I was simply appalled at the way Victor was being treated. Being heckled, called out, and overall disrespected.
We formed New Gallifrey to bring the Timelords together. Those sitting at the Council table are there willingly, in an effort to rebuild our society in this place. But you wouldn’t know it.
Now, I understand that Victor was a divisive choice. However, the three of us thought long and hard about it. Victor is cynical, hard-edged, and often flies in the face of tradition. However, he is also brilliant, loyal, and a bit selfish. As President, preserving the reputation and the very existence of New Gallifrey suddenly becomes a case of self preservation, something Victor is exceedingly good at. He is also very well connected and resourceful.
There is no one in SL whom I trust more to deliver New Gallifrey back to us healthy and intact. And that is exactly what he did. Divisive or not, he was our choice to fill my shoes. Obviously, this decision was not respected. I have the feeling that, without the Sash, half the Council would have taken pot shots at him.
Of course, choosing Victor was also a bit of a test. Was my authority simply based on my age and power? Or am I actually respected in my own right as the President? Rule should not be fear based. The Lord President should be a unifying figure through mutual respect. If my choice for replacement was instantly disrespected, then who is to say any of my other decisions have been met with any honest approval whatsoever? I am happy to say the test worked like a charm. I am now fully aware of whom I can trust, and whom I cannot.
I fear that many of these Timelords are not capable of the emotional maturity necessary to help Timelord society evolve past the mistakes that got us whipped out in normal space.
Oolon seems to have been profoundly affected by his experience in the Last Day. 66,430 times… I can’t say I blame him. He actually proposes a diplomatic meeting with the Daleks. I understand, and agree, that our efforts here need to follow a different path. I am beginning to believe that his hand made brain is in need of regeneration, however, if he thinks Daleks can be reasoned with.
However, there is little harm in trying. While Oolon undertakes efforts of diplomacy, I will be studying the Daleks for evidence to support or deny Solis’ theory on the recent Dalek buildup.
Friday
Part 26 - A Tale of Two Sens
Victor has been doing a fine job as interim Lord President. However, there is strife within the Council. Nothing our touched friend can’t handle, as Sputters and I knew would be the case. However, the inner council was unanimous in our decision to not announce our return. Quite the contrary, we have remained incognito for some months now.
Solis had been hearing rumors of a new Dalek Empire attempting to gain a foothold in SL-space again from a very disturbing source. She actually learned of this while in the Time Lock, so followed the lead straight back here. I have not heard a peep from her since our return, but I fully trust not only in her resourcefulness, but her intelligence gathering ability.
Oolon has been watching the political intrigue with interest, with his House diving head long into not only learning as much as we can about this place, but our fellow Timelords as well. I was positively giddy at some prototype TT Capsule plans that Oolon and Solis snuck out of the Time Lock, and Oolon was good enough to let me retrofit many of those designs onto the ETC upon our return. He has been taking full advantage of his new found toys, and has been eagerly exploring our realm.
Which brings me to my recent dual life. With Victor keeping things well in hand with the Timelords, I have been learning and communicating with the various TT Capsules here. I have been retrofitting each one in turn with what I have designated Mark VII technology. I know some would disapprove of this without the consent of the pilot, but a TARDIS is a living being. While the pilot certainly controls all systems, I have no ethical dilemma with helping the being evolve to the next Mark (or several in many cases here) on their own.
The cross section from Gallifreyan history represented by the Capsules here is remarkable. While the oldest Timelords besides myself and The Jinn (if he is to be believed) are only a couple thousand years old, there are still a handful of Type 30’s, a couple 20’s and even a Type 10 in service here. These date back literally millions of years. I may be that old, but I was inactive for nearly all that time. For one entity to have explored time and space for more time than most civilizations have existed is truly remarkable.
Of course, I can communicate with a TARDIS on a level most Timelords would only dream about. To see the cultures of the universe through their memories when Timelord society was young, involved, and powerful was inspiring. In those days, when a space faring race heard the long, agonizing grind of a Type 10 or Type 20 Capsule, they stood in awe and a little bit of respectful fear. I hope I can help lead my people back to days such as those.
Solis had been hearing rumors of a new Dalek Empire attempting to gain a foothold in SL-space again from a very disturbing source. She actually learned of this while in the Time Lock, so followed the lead straight back here. I have not heard a peep from her since our return, but I fully trust not only in her resourcefulness, but her intelligence gathering ability.
Oolon has been watching the political intrigue with interest, with his House diving head long into not only learning as much as we can about this place, but our fellow Timelords as well. I was positively giddy at some prototype TT Capsule plans that Oolon and Solis snuck out of the Time Lock, and Oolon was good enough to let me retrofit many of those designs onto the ETC upon our return. He has been taking full advantage of his new found toys, and has been eagerly exploring our realm.
Which brings me to my recent dual life. With Victor keeping things well in hand with the Timelords, I have been learning and communicating with the various TT Capsules here. I have been retrofitting each one in turn with what I have designated Mark VII technology. I know some would disapprove of this without the consent of the pilot, but a TARDIS is a living being. While the pilot certainly controls all systems, I have no ethical dilemma with helping the being evolve to the next Mark (or several in many cases here) on their own.
The cross section from Gallifreyan history represented by the Capsules here is remarkable. While the oldest Timelords besides myself and The Jinn (if he is to be believed) are only a couple thousand years old, there are still a handful of Type 30’s, a couple 20’s and even a Type 10 in service here. These date back literally millions of years. I may be that old, but I was inactive for nearly all that time. For one entity to have explored time and space for more time than most civilizations have existed is truly remarkable.
Of course, I can communicate with a TARDIS on a level most Timelords would only dream about. To see the cultures of the universe through their memories when Timelord society was young, involved, and powerful was inspiring. In those days, when a space faring race heard the long, agonizing grind of a Type 10 or Type 20 Capsule, they stood in awe and a little bit of respectful fear. I hope I can help lead my people back to days such as those.
Part 25 - 182
182 years. As we prepare to return to New Gallifrey, that is how long I have spent exploring this universe of my origin. Oolon and Solis report success, both on the issue of Gallifrey’s timeline and some valuable information on who is behind it.
I had the chance to explore many of the places that our Timelord friends on the New Gallifrey High Council keep talking about. I have a far better sense now than ever before of being… alive. At least in the organic sense.
I was able to track down a few valuable artifacts and pieces of Timelord technology still buried on planets outside the Time Lock. It will take some time to integrate this tech into New Gallifrey, but I feel confident it will greatly improve our resources.
The initial word from Oolon and Solis is disturbing, and yet not at all surprising. Apparently we were lucky enough to catch the first and only alteration. They spent decades scouring Timelord history to make sure that nothing else had been altered – it seems it had not.
Manipulation of the timelines on this scale is astounding, and brazen. Whoever this is seems to be operating as if the Time War is not over, as if it is simply one more step in a grand plan. Whoever this being/entity is, they obviously have a TARDIS. One with an independent power source to break into the Time Lock as we did.
One piece at a time. We will find out who it is. We will find out what their goals are. And we will stop them.
I had the chance to explore many of the places that our Timelord friends on the New Gallifrey High Council keep talking about. I have a far better sense now than ever before of being… alive. At least in the organic sense.
I was able to track down a few valuable artifacts and pieces of Timelord technology still buried on planets outside the Time Lock. It will take some time to integrate this tech into New Gallifrey, but I feel confident it will greatly improve our resources.
The initial word from Oolon and Solis is disturbing, and yet not at all surprising. Apparently we were lucky enough to catch the first and only alteration. They spent decades scouring Timelord history to make sure that nothing else had been altered – it seems it had not.
Manipulation of the timelines on this scale is astounding, and brazen. Whoever this is seems to be operating as if the Time War is not over, as if it is simply one more step in a grand plan. Whoever this being/entity is, they obviously have a TARDIS. One with an independent power source to break into the Time Lock as we did.
One piece at a time. We will find out who it is. We will find out what their goals are. And we will stop them.
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