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English
Series:
Part 14 of To the Stars: TARDIS Guide Prompt Month
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August 2025: To The Stars
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Published:
2025-08-15
Words:
400
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1/1
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6
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10
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33

False As Cressid

Summary:

The Doctor had given an odd start, and tried (unsuccessfully) to dissuade Vicki from going, when they saw that the only Shakespeare play being performed that day was one she’d never even heard of: The Tragedy of Troilus and Cressida.

Notes:

Disclaimer that I unfortunately have not actually read the play on which this is based in its entirety. Just enough to snag the concept and title.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

It had been Vicki’s suggestion, when they found themselves in London in 1609, to go and see one of Shakespeare’s plays. The Doctor and Steven had agreed enthusiastically enough to indulge her — though the Doctor had given an odd start, and tried (unsuccessfully) to dissuade her, when they saw that the only play being performed that day was one she’d never even heard of: The Tragedy of Troilus and Cressida.

By the end of the show, Vicki thought she understood why. She applauded politely, so as not to hurt the Bard’s feelings, but as soon as they were safely away from the theatre she seized the opportunity to express her opinions with great energy.

“It didn’t make any sense,” she complained. “And it was depressing.”

Steven laughed at her. “The play had ‘tragedy’ right there in the name. What else did you expect?”

“I thought it would be like Romeo and Juliet,” Vicki explained. “Sad, but romantic. But this wasn’t even romantic. I mean, Cressida was supposed to be in love with Troilus, and then she went off and betrayed him! There was nothing at all inspiring about it.”

Steven shrugged. “Sometimes life is like that. Not everything is romantic.” 

She made a face. “I know, but that doesn’t mean you need to write a play about it.”

“I thought it was interesting,” said Steven. He turned to the third member of their party. “Doctor, what did you think?”

Seemingly lost in thought, the Doctor took a moment to collect himself and answer. “Oh, I don’t know.” He turned his piercing blue gaze on Vicki. “Just remember, dramatizations are not always true to the historical figures that inspire them. It may be the portrayal that is false, not Cressida herself. We all make our own decisions about what sort of person we wish to be.”

“Well, I’m not worried about history,” said Vicki. “It’s just a play.” She sniffed. “But don’t worry, I can promise I will never betray those I love.”

She felt her own words ring out, landing with a bit more force than she’d intended.

The Doctor seemed to study her for another long, strangely loaded moment. Then his wrinkled face creased into a smile… though she thought there was something sad, underneath.

“I know, Vicki,” he said, holding out a hand. “Come along, my child. Steven, you too. It’s time we got back to the TARDIS.”

Notes:

Prompts: “I will never betray those I love” | Energy | Promise | Ring