The Tenth Impact

New Earth

The TARDIS was darker when I walked into it. The Doctor was fiddling with the controls on the console, seemingly trying to get back into the swing of it.

I nervously crossed my arms. My outfit had changed, to the one I tended to wear if we went into the future. My nails had been painted black, if only to go along with my mood.

Walking up behind him, I leaned against the railings. It was strange, these past few days with Ten. You would see bits and pieces of Nine in there, like the occasional rude comment about humans. Then, he would get this goofy smile on his face and talk about something completely different. He certainly still had a big ego, as well as some weird knowledge on the future and stuff.

There were a lot of times when Ten talked about regeneration. He said it was like dying, except a new man would walk off with all of his memories. That was a strange way of seeing it. I mean, it makes sense don't get me wrong. You technically are dead, but you come as a man with a different personality. Nine was angry, and dark, like there was a big storm but it cleared away to reveal a moonless sky. Ten was the sun finally rising, seeing the world with a new hope but with a cloud or two to keep you aware the rain might come at any second.

Eleven was...a strange one. He was like the clouds floated away, but could come back any time as a hurricane. His emotions were more subdued, held back. That was why he got so angry at Demon's Run, because all of that anger he held back for Story knows how long finally erupted.

No. Focus on Ten.

Ten was a slight narcissist. He had an almost laughable case of extreme survivor's guilt, which was mixed with his feelings towards Rose. He was more human, I think is the word. He cared more for the people, and was sorta of better at explanations.

I had seen all of that these past few days. Ten was very much his own person, but he was still the Doctor. The pinstripe wearing Doctor, with a blue screwdriver, and his hearts set on Rose Marion Tyler, the Bad Wolf.

That's what regeneration was. It was a second chance. A chance to do things right.

"So, how does it feel for you?" I asked him.

The Doctor gave me a curious look. "How does what feel?"

"Regeneration." I clarified. "I feel like I'm a continuation, a surprise sequel when you thought the Story was over. What about you?"

The Doctor stopped, a thoughtful look on his face. He shrugged after a moment. "It feels...good. New face, new man."

"Does it really feel like that though?" I asked, thinking hard on this. "I mean, I don't think I'm much different from the first one."

"Well." The Doctor was going to go on a rant. He paused on setting up the TARDIS. "Regeneration is a difficult process for some to understand. Some of your previous selves likes and dislikes stick, while others don't."

"Like how you still have a huge crush on Rose, but now you just feel more courageous in it?" I genuinely asked.

The Doctor stopped, looking a bit surprised. He spluttered. I grinned.

"Doctor, come on. You were in a medical coma, and woke up because she asked you to! I'm a Profiler, it's my job to notice that stuff." I acted nonchalant, looking down at my nails. "And I know everything, so."

The Doctor scoffed, chuckling a bit. "Was your first self this much of an egotist?"

"No idea, probably." I admitted. "And don't change the subject. You know I'm right."

The Time Lord was about to argue further, but then the psychic paper started to buzz. He reached inside his new jacket pockets to pull it out.