Story:
The Ten DoctorsAuthor:
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 45th 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.