[Video] Time is relative.

[timesbureaucrat]

[Narvin appears on screen, face wan and dark circles under his eyes.]

The date stamp on my communicator says that it's month 10, day 7 by the local calendar system. Please confirm.

Comments

Re: [Private]

[most_feared]

Yeah. Probably means there's something behind it after all.

[He's suspicious that they're not suspicious.]

But I don't guess it's my job to figure it out until it's a problem and not just something that's real off.

[Private]

[timesbureaucrat]

[A slight smile flicks over Narvin's face. Suspicious of what they're not suspicious of. All is right with the world again.]

I'll keep my eyes and ears open for you. And if you want to bring any of this junk in, I can run it through a scanner. We're not likely to find anything but you never know.

[Private]

[most_feared]

The museum should have some of it. What the Orion looters don't take. I'm sure Jack Jeebs probably has some too, but he keeps it well hidden.

[Private]

[timesbureaucrat]

I'll get a random sampling and let you know if I turn up anything useful.

...

Jack Jeebs? [Narvin hasn't noticed an import by that name, and he wasn't here for the last market.]

[Private]

[most_feared]

I'm sorry to say you'll meet him when the monthly market rolls around. Because of the quarantine they've allowed some people from other universes to vend. Jack Jeebs is from mine, and he's a black market salesman back home.

[Private]

[timesbureaucrat]

I'm sure the fresh supplies are much needed, but I hate feeling that we're supporting smuggling and black market trade. [He sighs.] The quarantine would seem to give us no choice, however. By default, anyone who comes to trade here through the quarantine is probably dubious at best.

[Private]

[most_feared]

I gotta trust that Jeffers thought it was worth the risk. I mean, I'm the most dangerous human in the universe back where I'm from. Figured he had to have a reason for asking me in.

[Private]

[timesbureaucrat]

[Narvin cocks his head in interest at hearing Kay's description of himself. "Most dangerous human in the universe." It fascinates him. He's seen Kay's professionalism and security know-how. He hasn't yet seen Kay go head-to-head with a planet-destroying alien. And now he rather wishes he could.

Be careful what you wish for, he thinks to himself. The last thing this planet needs right now is a Dalek invasion.]

Someone needs to keep the smugglers in line and the hostile native fauna out of the village. And if it's not going to be me...well...I'm glad it's you.

[Private]

[most_feared]

That's a lot of confidence you're putting in me.

But I do what I gotta do.

[He also will, to some extent, let Jeebs get away with it. Because he knows Jeebs can get information, and that's a good way to find it.]

At least the delegation is gone. So you don't have to worry about the politics.

[Private]

[timesbureaucrat]

You've kept my confidences and you know your job. That alone means I trust you in the position more than I would most.

[Narvin gives what's almost an eyeroll at the very word "politics." If there's one thing he's had quite enough of for his life...]

You know, it's odd but I'm happier now that there aren't any other Gallifreyans around. When their delegation was around, even though they were from another universe, I felt obligated to them. But this way it feels more like a proper holiday.

Well, aside from the quarantine and the constant threat of possible attack.

[Private]

[most_feared]

You might want to watch out for nationalism, especially when skewed timelines come into play. [He doesn't know that Narvin has since become well acquainted with this.]

[Private]

[timesbureaucrat]

[He huffs a quiet laugh.]

Yes, I had an object lesson in that just recently. Multiple object lessons in fact. I feel like lately my life has been nothing but alternate universes and mangled timelines.

[Private]

[most_feared]

You and me both.

Don't worry, you'll have a lotta mysteries waiting on you. So just hang out, have a cup of hot tea, and don't worry about it.