eastbound | video; un: hide-and-seek

[ Clara's sitting as privately as it's going to get in the Mouse House, still a little breathless. Not from exertion, but from realizing she might've heard something she shouldn't. She can't know for sure, but her gut tells her it's important. Her first instinct is to find the Doctor and tell him, but she'd done the first thing he'd asked her not to and wandered off. As always.

In need of semi-fresh air, she'd waited until he was busy talking to someone else before quickly excusing herself, walking away before the Doctor could protest. She'd walked a few blocks toward the ports when she'd overheard a small group talking about a person named Cain. The way the apparent co-workers tensed and glared at her when spotted, made her feel as if the complaining hadn't been meant to be heard by anyone, not just her. Back inside, she's decided to share what she overheard when she doesn't spot the Doctor right away. Whipping out her new device she takes a minute or two to understand how it works before her face pops up on the screen. ]

Hullo, I'm Clara. Met some of you during the [ Her free hand waves around vaguely. ] events. I'm not sure what is and isn't important here, but a talking fox told me I needed to make tea to get out of a murder house, so who am I to decide what everyone should or shouldn't know?

[ Either someone tells her not to worry about it, or she's given out something everyone needs to know. She should really wait for the Doctor, but there's no going back now that she's announced it. ]

Went outside and overheard two people talking about someone named Cain do..brick? [ She can't quite remember how it was pronounced, but hopefully, she's close enough. ] They've done something to make an employer angry enough to hit an employee after getting off the phone with Cain. Something about an offer involving parts and grease for Minaras and Eidris. There was more, but I'm not sure if this means anything or not. The people talking about it got pretty upset when they saw me, so I thought it might be worth mentioning.

[ There's a pause as she decides to wrap things up. ]

In case none of this matters, quick question. If you've met the Doctor, what was your first impression, please? [ There's a quick, cheeky and teasing smile that suggests knowing him before the video ends. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Spared. You secured weapons?

Then what would you do for fun?

[ Clara smiles but then she is a little more serious. ]

Don't really know how to use them other than slamming them into people. Did you notice my poker technique?

It... ( When you have nothing nice to say — ) Existed.

It did, and I didn't die!

[ She's proud of that whack, thank you very much. ]

As long as you're critiquing my technique, would you be willing to show me a better way to defend myself than by grabbing common household items and hoping someone with magic and a sword crosses paths with me?

You prepare for years of training?

I don't plan on being here for years. Do you?

[ It's a genuine question as she tilts her head curiously. ]

( The Most Patient: )

Then, you cannot learn the sword. Only forms of last resort.

So, you do plan to be here years then?

[ She's gonna test the patience. ]

I have accrued longer than a year's stay.

[ Clara's expression changes; she hasn't talked to anyone that's been stuck as long as that. Most of the people she's met, in fact, arrived with her or when the Doctor did. ]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be a prat. I do want to be helpful if I come across someone who needs help, but a sword isn't the best way.

Irrelevant. Mastery cannot be achieved readily.

Base drills will suffice.

[ She almost asks him what he looks like when he smiles, but she doesn't want to push it. And now she feels a little bad. ]

I can repay you in...I don't know what, but if you really are willing to spend your time on me, I'd like to do something for you, too.

I may instruct. ( A pause, then: ) But best asked is mistress Zhou Fei.

Similar build.

Ouch. Break my heart.

[ She doesn't know him, but she assumes she's in the Too Much category already. ]

What does your build have to do with it?

[ Never once does it occur to her what he actually means. She's not a fighter, she doesn't know why it would be beneficial! ]

Uncompensated, it governs speed, agility, strength.

All I can say in response to that, is I hope you've referred me to someone with patience.

You have to admit, catching that teapot when you threw it out of nowhere with no warning was pretty awesome of me.

It... was an answer.

How was I ever supposed to compare with your magic and sword?

The teapot and the poker were honestly some of my best work. And no one even appreciates it.