Calufrax

Thank you to everyone here at Calufrax - I leave you with one last rec to finish off my week here and sincerely hope you've all found at least one new story in this collection to fill your imaginations and bring some pleasure to your days. Let's do it again sometime, shall we? Hm? Hmm?

Story: Future’s Past
Author: Gary Merchant
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 1,043
Author’s Summary: The Doctor introduces Dodo to the Time Space Visualiser - both receive unexpected surprises.
Characters/Pairings: the First Doctor, Dodo Chaplet, reference to Steven
Warnings: None

Recced because: Dodo is so rarely seen in fic, much less given positive treatment and I’ve always had a soft spot for the First Doctor, they both deserve more attention.  Gary Merchant was one of the first writers I came across back when I discovered the existence of this marvelous world called ‘whofic’ and I suppose it is well it was someone of such quality!  Often working in a partnership with friends, he is a writer with a wonderful knack for spotlighting neglected minor characters, small moments and subtle turning points in the development of characters and plots.  Any reader delving into his extensive works will find several well-crafted treasures there that are a pleasure to read.

This particular short story is relatively light and somewhat introspective, crowned with a surprise cameo and an excellent subtle joke for those familiar with the long term history of the show and its popular promotion.  I won’t give it away, go read and see what I mean.

Story: The Unexpected Storm
Author: Gabriel Chase
Rating: Teen (for swearing)
Word Count: 1,455
Author’s Summary: Benton is transferring the Master to a new secure location, when a cloudburst causes more problem for UNIT's most beleaguered of soldiers.
Characters/Pairings: Benton, the Master (Delgado), Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Yates
Warnings: None 

Recced because:  It seemed a nice day to rec something for those who would like a light, enjoyable read over their lunch and this is one that fits the bill.  It is always a delight to find a good classic era fic, and with both the loyal Benton and Delgado’s suave Master being personal favorites, a story that places just the two of them together was irresistible.
The author does a fine job in this short story of keeping both completely in character; I could almost see those little disapproving quirks of the Master’s face as he offered his opinions of the available entertainment as well as his dignified plotting against the good-hearted but cautious Sergeant.  Can UNIT hold the Master, or have they bitten off more than they can chew?  A good dose of UNIT adventure for a May afternoon, perfect with a cup of tea.

--

Story:  The Ten Doctors
Author: JJPOR
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 25,568
Author’s Summary: It was history’s greatest and most famous party.
Characters/Pairings: The first ten Doctors and Romana plus a wide assortment of companions, a couple of classic Masters and the Brigadier, toss well.
Warnings: None
Recced because: I nearly passed it over this time merely because JJPOR is a very popular author who had another well-deserved recommendation just last week (don’t miss that one either!), but decided we’d just let this be his month for a bounty of riches, goodness knows he’s given all of us enough reading enjoyment to deserve it. 

This piece was written as a tribute for the 45^th anniversary of the show and it quite appropriately is the sort of multi-Doctor fic that brings the reader back again and again for another round.  I expect nearly every writer has to give the “what would happen if all of the Doctors were together at once” scenario a try, but some are definitely better than others; this is one of the good ones and you won’t regret it for a moment. 

In essence, Ten has decided that a doomed planet famous for having partied hard right up until the moment their sun went supernova would be the perfect setting for a gathering of his selves and as the guests arrive each and every one is so perfectly portrayed it is a complete delight.  Poor Susan making the best of a doting crowd of Grandfathers, Romana’s opinions regarding the appetizers and Six’s opinions regarding her plus the consequences of expressing those thoughts aloud are only a sprinkle of the stellar moments here, a fabulous panorama lightly sauced with punch.  As no doubt suspected, there are humorous moments but also a few snatches of adventurousness and even some serious and empathetic twists for the heart.

For the uninitiated to his works, JJPOR is a find indeed; a top-notch competent, imaginative and high quality writer whose stories never disappoint.  I highly recommend without reservation not only this particular bit of mildly cracky fancy, but any of his stories across the spectrum.  Enjoy the ride.

Salutations to all, my name is Primsong and I’m pleased to be taking a turn at sharing a few enjoyable or admirable fics with you this week. All will feature classic Doctors in one way or another and there will be a mix of light and dark with a bent rather more towards the amusing. I hope you will enjoy them. That said, let’s go to our first rec and a smile for your Monday.
--
Story: One More Time
Author: Curuchamion
Rating: All Ages
Word Count: 270
Author’s Summary: The Thirteenth Doctor explains something to Sarah Jane.
Characters/Pairings: Thirteenth Doctor, Sarah-Jane Smith.
Warnings: None
--
Recced because: Yes, it's merely bite-sized, but I kept going back to it and found myself actually giving it a ponder - which is a sign of something worth sharing (There'll be longer ones coming).

This is one of those little pieces that you find yourself relating to any comprehending person in the room as you might a favorite joke. A light must-read for anyone possessing both an appreciation for classic Who and a sense of humour; in truth, this short vignette would be completely at home in some type of Whovian joke book and the punchline is completely worth its inclusion. Even better is the way the author goes beyond mere word play and makes the reader give real thought to whether this really could have happened, for in spite of it being essentially crack it is surprisingly feasible.

Curuchamion is a relatively new writer in the fandom but has shown much promise in her imaginative writings thus far. I truly look forward to seeing what else she will bring us as she finds her wings.