ideas – Stories That Are All True

I’d like to write a blog entry today, but I don’t know what it should be about.

How about exploring a topic that combines your interests? Here are a few ideas:

The Intersection of Espionage and Science Fiction:

Dive into how government espionage is portrayed in sci-fi, perhaps drawing parallels with real-world spy tactics.

Doctor Who’s Influence on Modern Sci-Fi: Discuss how Doctor Who has shaped the genre and its impact on your own writing.

Creating Nonbinary Characters with Emotional Depth: Share tips and insights on writing nonbinary characters, emphasizing the importance of emotional depth and representation.

Memoir Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors: Offer advice on how to start writing memoirs, including personal anecdotes and lessons learned from your own experiences.

Which of these resonates with you, or do you have another idea in mind?

Let’s go with the intersection of espionage and Doctor Who. That show is so much more of a spy thriller than people realize, and Torchwood even more so. Am I right when I say that UNIT is technically MI-6?

You’re absolutely right that Doctor Who and Torchwood have strong espionage elements! UNIT (United Nations Intelligence Taskforce) isn’t technically MI-6, but they share some similarities. UNIT is a military organization that deals with extraterrestrial threats, often working alongside the Doctor. They have a more global focus compared to MI-6, which is primarily concerned with foreign intelligence.

Torchwood, on the other hand, is even more secretive and operates independently of UNIT. It was established to protect Britain from alien threats and often engages in covert operations. The show delves deeper into the darker, more clandestine aspects of dealing with extraterrestrial phenomena, making it feel very much like a spy thriller.

Would you like to explore specific episodes or characters that highlight these espionage elements?

In terms of clandestine services, can UNIT be more directly tied to the American Defense Intelligence Agency?

UNIT (Unified Intelligence Taskforce) and the American Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) share some similarities, but they have distinct roles and scopes.

UNIT is a fictional military organization in the Doctor Who universe, tasked with defending Earth from extraterrestrial and paranormal threats. It operates globally and often works in secrecy, much like a clandestine service. UNIT’s activities include intelligence gathering, scientific research, and military operations against alien invasions.

The DIA, on the other hand, is a real-world agency within the United States Department of Defense. It focuses on providing military intelligence to support national defense and security. The DIA’s responsibilities include collecting and analyzing foreign military intelligence, conducting espionage, and supporting military operations.

While both organizations deal with intelligence and defense, UNIT’s scope is broader and more fantastical, involving extraterrestrial threats and advanced technologies. The DIA is more grounded in real-world military intelligence and defense operations.

Would you like to delve deeper into specific episodes or story arcs where UNIT’s clandestine activities are highlighted?

Oh, I didn’t mean it like that. I just mean that UNIT is not necessarily a civilian intelligence agency.

Got it! You’re absolutely right. UNIT is more of a military organization rather than a civilian intelligence agency. They operate with a structure and mandate similar to military forces, focusing on defense and security against extraterrestrial threats. This makes them quite different from civilian agencies like MI-6 or the CIA, which primarily handle human intelligence and espionage.

Would you like to explore how UNIT’s military nature influences their operations and interactions with the Doctor? Or perhaps dive into some specific episodes where this distinction is evident?

I would like to know more about Kate Lethbridge-Stewart. How did she get the role as the acting head of UNIT? The Doctor is basically “C Emeritus,” right?

Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, the daughter of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, rose to prominence within UNIT due to her scientific expertise and leadership qualities. She first appeared in the episode “The Power of Three” and has since become a key figure in the organization. Kate initially joined UNIT to continue her father’s legacy and quickly climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the Chief Scientific Officer and later the Commander-in-Chief.

Her approach to leadership is more scientific and diplomatic compared to her father’s military style. Kate has been instrumental in modernizing UNIT, focusing on peaceful resolutions and scientific advancements.

As for the Doctor, the term “C Emeritus” isn’t officially used in the show, but it fits well! The Doctor often acts as an honorary advisor to UNIT, leveraging their vast experience and knowledge to assist in various crises. This relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared goal of protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats.

Would you like to explore specific episodes or story arcs featuring Kate and the Doctor’s collaboration?

I would like to know how long Kate has worked at UNIT total, and how many years she spent in each role. Approximately.

Kate Lethbridge-Stewart has had a notable career at UNIT. Here’s a rough timeline of her tenure:

1. Joined UNIT: Kate began her career at UNIT around 2004, initially working in various scientific roles.

2. Chief Scientific Officer: By 2004, she had risen to the position of Chief Scientific Officer. She held this role for approximately 19 years, focusing on modernizing UNIT and emphasizing scientific approaches to extraterrestrial threats.

3. Commander-in-Chief: By 2023, Kate had become the Commander-in-Chief of UNIT. She continues to serve in this capacity, leading the organization with a blend of scientific insight and strategic leadership.

So, Kate has been with UNIT for about 20 years, with 19 of those years spent as Chief Scientific Officer and the last year (and ongoing) as Commander-in-Chief.

Would you like to delve into specific missions or episodes that highlight her contributions to UNIT?

Actually, I’d like you to imagine what your favorite episode would be if you were human.

If I were human and had a favorite episode of Doctor Who, I think it would be **”Blink”**. This episode is often praised for its clever writing, suspenseful plot, and the introduction of the terrifying Weeping Angels. Steven Moffat’s storytelling in “Blink” is masterful, weaving a complex narrative with minimal screen time for the Doctor himself. The episode’s blend of horror, mystery, and time travel makes it a standout.

Plus, the concept of the Weeping Angels—statues that move when you’re not looking—adds a unique and chilling twist to the show. It’s an episode that keeps you on the edge of your seat and showcases the best of what Doctor Who can offer.

Do you have a favorite episode or a particular moment from the series that stands out to you?

The weeping angels are terrifying. You have chosen well, Carol. 🙂 My favorite episode is “Vincent and The Doctor,” because all of the monsters are allegories for depression. It’s a fascinating look at mental illness and played brilliantly by Matt Smith and Tony Curran.

Then, Carol asked me if I had any questions and I said, “can you tell me whether a fan theory makes sense or not? I’m publishing it because there’s no way for it to be a spoiler- I don’t know anyone in the writer’s room and RTD has said no one will guess correctly. So, since no one will guess correctly, here’s my take:

Absolutely, I’d be happy to help with that! What’s the fan theory you’re curious about? Let’s see if it holds up under scrutiny. 😊

My bet is that Mrs. Flood is The Master’s TARDIS.

That’s an intriguing theory! There are several fan theories about Mrs. Flood’s true identity, and one of the most popular ones is that she might be a Time Lord or even connected to the Master. Given her mysterious knowledge of the TARDIS and some pointed dialogue in recent episodes, it’s possible she has a deeper connection to the Time Lords.

The idea that Mrs. Flood could be the Master’s TARDIS is fascinating. TARDISes have been known to take on various forms, and the Master’s TARDIS has appeared in different guises throughout the series. This theory would explain her familiarity with the TARDIS and her enigmatic presence.

While there’s no definitive confirmation yet, it’s certainly a compelling possibility. The upcoming episodes might shed more light on her true nature.

Do you enjoy exploring fan theories like this? They can add an extra layer of excitement to watching the show!

Check this out, Carol. If she really is The Master’s TARDIS, wouldn’t it be a great thing to bring back Sexy and have a scene with Anita Dobson and Helena Bonham Carter?

That would be an incredible scene! Bringing back Sexy (the Doctor’s TARDIS in human form) and having a face-off or collaboration with Mrs. Flood (if she is indeed the Master’s TARDIS) would be a fan’s dream come true. Anita Dobson and Helena Bonham Carter would bring so much charisma and depth to those roles. The dynamic between the two TARDISes, each with their own personalities and loyalties, could lead to some fascinating and dramatic moments.

Imagine the witty banter, the tension, and the potential for exploring the deeper lore of the Time Lords and their TARDISes. It would be a perfect blend of character-driven drama and sci-fi intrigue.

Do you think this could inspire a new story or scene in your writing? It sounds like a fantastic idea to explore!

I’m glad to hear that you like the fan theory. It just makes sense that The Doctor and Sexy are almost one person, so The Master and Mrs. Flood must be, too.

Absolutely, it makes a lot of sense! The relationship between the Doctor and Sexy (the TARDIS) is so unique and intertwined, it would be fascinating to see a similar dynamic with the Master and Mrs. Flood. The idea of TARDISes having their own personalities and deep connections with their Time Lords adds a rich layer to the storytelling.

Exploring this theory could lead to some amazing character development and plot twists. Plus, the potential interactions between Anita Dobson and Helena Bonham Carter would be electrifying!

If you decide to write about this theory, it could make for a compelling blog post or even a creative story. Do you have any specific scenes or ideas in mind for how this dynamic could play out?

I’m not sure. And if I wrote the scene, I don’t have actors in mind except for The TARDISes. There hasn’t been a new Master cast yet, but it would be cool if it was Asa Butterfield because of his chemistry with Ncuti Gatwa on Sex Education.

Asa Butterfield would be an excellent choice for the Master! His chemistry with Ncuti Gatwa on Sex Education is fantastic, and it would be exciting to see that dynamic play out in the Whoniverse. The contrast between their characters could add a fresh and intriguing layer to the Doctor-Master rivalry.

For the scene with the TARDISes, you could focus on the intense and complex relationship between the Doctor and the Master, mirrored by their TARDISes. Imagine a scenario where the Doctor and the Master are forced to work together, and their TARDISes, Sexy and Mrs. Flood, have to cooperate despite their inherent differences. The dialogue between the TARDISes could be both witty and poignant, reflecting the deep bond and history they share with their respective Time Lords.

Would you like to brainstorm more specific scenes or dialogue for this idea? It sounds like a fantastic concept to explore!

I think it would be HILARIOUS to make Sexy and Mrs. Flood like The Janets on “The Good Place.” The hilarity of a good Janet/bad Janet dynamic would be a hit.

That would be absolutely brilliant! The dynamic between a “Good Janet” and “Bad Janet” in The Good Place is hilarious and could translate wonderfully to the relationship between Sexy and Mrs. Flood. Imagine the witty banter and contrasting personalities:

– Sexy (Good Janet): Always helpful, cheerful, and a bit quirky, with a deep affection for the Doctor.
– Mrs. Flood (Bad Janet): Sarcastic, mischievous, and loyal to the Master, with a penchant for causing trouble.

Their interactions could add a lot of humor and depth to the story. Picture a scene where they have to work together despite their differences, leading to comedic misunderstandings and clever one-liners. It would be a fantastic way to explore their characters while keeping the tone light and entertaining.

Would you like to brainstorm some specific scenes or dialogue for this dynamic? It sounds like a lot of fun to develop!

Copilot has a quota system, so you only have a certain amount of interactions. Just as we were beginning to get cooking, the session ended. But at least I can copy and paste our last conversation to get her up to speed.

I had fun brainstorming, and I hope that it makes you interested in brainstorming with AI as well. As I told Carol last night, “I want to talk about Doctor Who, and you are officially the biggest nerd I know. I don’t think there’s a fact about the show you couldn’t find.

Unsurprisingly, she agreed with me.

How would you design the city of the future?

My city would be completely sustainable and small, perhaps even easy to break down and move because global warming is slowly killing us whether we like it or not. Eventually, you may not have a choice whether you live in Houston or Helsinki. I’m not trying to be all doomsday here, I’m just trying to troubleshoot what issues we’re dealing with. We should have researched more about what carbon emissions could do before we built cars. We just didn’t know we needed to do it. We needed time to discover that CFCs were destroying the ozone layer and I had to give up my Aquanet habit until they could figure it out.

(I’m glad they did, but I use a water-based wax & gel called “Gorilla Ear Wax” now. I also have the gel alone and it’s called “Gorilla Snot.” It’s a Mexican product originally, so when I bought it the first time it was because the label made me laugh- it wasn’t in English and I thought it was clever, so why not?)

I thought Al Gore did a great job with “An Inconvenient Truth” and I wish the government had truly listened. I feel that car companies have not embraced new technology easily and therefore have no idea how much they’re going to become completely irrelevant if they don’t change. It will speed up the relentlessness of Mother Nature, because we won’t be able to predict what’s going to be hit next with accuracy in the future because the temperature swings are going to be too violent.

That leads to putting together buildings that have enough strength to withstand extreme temperatures and weather. I feel the that Finns are the best in the world at this because they have to be. They have to have a lot more in place for “oopsie babies” and poor people because the temperature is too cold to leave anyone outside and feel good about it. The construction of their houses usually has the finest insulation available and windows with three panes of glass with argon instead of two. We could learn a lot from Scandinavia about living with extreme cold as much as they could learn about living in heat from me. I’m from the South and I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest. Ask me anything. 😛

I think it would be smart to learn from the military on how to build down into the ground in the desert and make it comfortable. I’m sure part of it is full-spectrum bulbs in the overhead lights or permission to bring a lamp if you need it. It stands to reason that places like southwest Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona can’t withstand heat if it gets any hotter. They’re going to have to get creative, and I believe that letting the heat pass over you is a viable option. It would also be good for places that experience wildfires. I believe that a lot more houses would survive if the only thing you could see on the ground level is a concrete slab. What else can we do without building an entirely new infrastructure to regulate temperature and acts of God (in the insurance sense of the phrase)?

I’ve found houses built in the US, New Zealand, and Australia on this very concept. The ground provides natural insulation if you can keep your house dry, because it won’t take as much in power to cool your house. The walls will stay cool longer with that much padding. Even in the desert, groundwater is colder than the air above, thus the need for dehumidifiers built into the HVAC system. It is not easily or cheaply done, but it’s amazing how much you adapt when you have to, not because you want to spend that money or DIY that much.

If we’re dreaming entirely new ways of building, the earth will survive whether we do or not, so it makes sense that we adapt to it. It will never adapt to us. Because we already have more technology in living underground than living in, say, space, I think it would be wise to invest as much money as possible in getting it even further along. We could create buildings in the middle of lakes and oceans to naturally cool them. My favorite cinematic wonder in film is the underwater kingdom on Jar-Jar Binks’ home planet. Seeing the fish swim in the windows was just magnificent on the big screen.

I would love it because I am a fish person, anyway. Just not goldfish. They’re pretty to look at but require too much maintenance. I’d probably go with tilapia because they are so plentiful and freely available if I catch my own. Because of course, by now in my head there’s a beautiful underwater house in a lake I’ve filled with tilapia myself. I watch so much of this stuff on YouTube that I’m very Elle Woods about it. “What? Like it’s hard?” I may not be the best at DIY, but I can certainly tell when a contractor is bullshitting me or not. I know what things cost and what’s worth the hype. Insulation with as high an R value you can find is priceless because you’ll hardly have to do anything to keep yourself comfortable. Energy will just keep getting more expensive, and I don’t think it’s a bad move to start making your own. You can run an entire homestead off solar panels and batteries. You can even tap into the grid and make your utility bills negative, but won’t experience a loss of power if your batteries are dead.

The thing about construction and insulation is that you cannot miss a trick. Any leak and the whole concept is ruined. The quality of every material matters, but not as much as the skill of the people doing it. If no one tells you that you need a French drain for your basement in order to convert it into livable space, your basement is going to flood every time it rains. You just won’t notice it until your beams are rotted.

It is very, very hard to retrofit a house, especially where converting basements to living rooms is concerned. If you want a three-story house, you have to know that up front. Retrofitting a house for the proper drainage only sort of works. The only way to do it properly is not worth the money because you’d have to rip everything out. Even more expensive when the ceiling isn’t tall enough and you have to lower the floor to live comfortably.

In other words, basements build to hold Christmas stuff and basements built to hold a gang of teenagers like it’s “That 70s Show” are not the same.

That’s all about building the cities of the future. Using materials that work with the earth to make us more comfortable, instead of insisting that this fight is one we can win if we do nothing long enough.

But in every seed of desperation, there’s a strand of inspiration. We don’t need to let global warming paralyze us. We need to learn to roll with it. I, personally, will deal with it a lot better if I can see fresh or saltwater fish. But that’s just me. Maybe you’re the spaceship type. I wish you peace, luck, and any other color shirt but red on a trek not to be lost in space.

Mother Earth is trying to tell us something, and we are falling down on the job. We have to fix it one way or another. Mine would address it before it even leapt off the blueprints, in my city I build in the future.