fandomhigh | History in Living Colour - Friday, Period 3 (Week 1)

The Danger Shop was the place to be for students who were taking the Doctor's class. Conveniently, the Doctor was there and had programmed it to look like a cocktail party. People seemed to be mingling about and there were little holographic canapés and non-alcoholic drinks being served.

The Doctor met the students at the door. "Hello, I'm the Doctor. This is History in Living Colour and there's a syllabus to grab on the way out if you don't want to be surprised by what's coming up. I went to a lot of trouble to make those, so don't go making paper aeroplanes out of them or anything." They did make for great paper aeroplanes though. He'd tried it earlier. "The class will be about Earth's history, so if you know absolutely nothing about Earth, I suggest picking up a book and giving yourself a crash course or asking around. I'll be assuming you know at least something about the planet you're on by next week. Right! Lesson one. History is about the people. Inside you'll find three different men who have played a significant role in the development of Earth's history.

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and one of the most significant. Gave some great speeches. Never gets old listening to them. He's the fellow with the big hat.

Socrates is the guy in the toga. Greek. He's one of the founders of Western philosophy and has a good appreciation for irony.

Then there's Sigmund Freud. He's the one in the suit with the cigar. He had a lot on his mind and an obsession with mothers and phallic objects. Well, there's more to it, but I don't want to spoil all the fun.

Today's class is simple. Go in there, mingle, get to know each other, introduce yourselves and then go corner Abe, Socrates or Freud and ask them a question or two, and for the purposes of the exercise, they can all speak English."

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"Yes," Socrates agreed, glad she was seeing what he meant. "Communication is the foundation of learning," he said slowly, making sure he got the words right. "So parties? Good."

"Well, they're certainly a lot more interesting than my last history class," she admitted with a grin. "So, yeah, parties are good."

"Can't pass up a good party," the Doctor interrupted. "Enjoying yourself?"

Peyton smiled at him a little shyly. "I am, yes, Doctor. I'm still getting used to this place, but this part of it? I really like."

"Well, history is loads of fun. Full of parties and brilliant people and revolutions. Well, maybe not the revolutions. Well, it's full of them, but they're not always fun. We'll get to that. Who's your favourite so far?" he asked, nodding towards the trio of historical figures.

Peyton thought for a moment. "Freud is a little... creepy. Interesting, but... Lincoln is really impressive to get to talk to. But I sort of have a soft spot for Socrates. Not really sure why."

"He's a big softie, that's why. Greatest thinker of his time, possibly any time if you're only taking Earth into consideration, and not so deep down he's a big teddy bear. Loves to teach. He spent his whole life saying things people had never thought to say before, but it wasn't for glory or fame or money. He said things so the kids would listen, so they would start to think beyond what they'd been taught before, so they would start paying attention to the world around them with new eyes. They killed him for it in the end. For 'corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens'. Made him drink poison and then lay down to die because he said things they didn't want to hear and people listened."

"Why do they do that?" Peyton said passionately. "Why do the people who care and try and make a difference and help people always get killed?"

"Because there's always someone in power and they like it that way. Anything to the contrary has to be put out of the picture." He didn't sound like he was approving of it at all. He was quiet for a moment. "I need a TA for the class. Well, two, balance out the work load a bit, but would you be interested?"

"It's wrong," she said firmly. "Just wrong."

She looked up at him in some surprise. "A TA? Me? Yeah, I guess. Don't you want someone who's been here a little longer though?"

"You can show up, do what needs to be done and answer questions if anyone asks you them, can't you?"

"Of course," Peyton said in some surprise.

"Then you can do everything anyone who's been around a while can do. But if you'd rather not..."

"No," she said quickly. "I... I think I'd like that. Very much. Thank you."

"Good then. I'll let you get back to it."

"Right, yes, well, thanks." She smiled warmly at him.

"See you next week." He grinned at her, then wandered off into the crowd.

History in Living Colour - Friday, Period 3 (Week 1)

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