Chosen Wisely
Ziggy
The Doctor set down the sonic screwdriver, glanced at the myrid switches, levers and gadgets on the TARDIS's recently repaired control panel. He traced a finger along the console's edge, beaming as he felt the timeship practically purr beneath his gentle touch.
That's much better! He sent tendrils of healing love towards his oldest and most constant companion.
As he thought of the recent past, when the Master had forced his beloved ship to be a Paradox Machine, his joy briefly reflected into sorrow. I nearly lost you.
The TARDIS hummed in sympathy.
The Doctor smiled, thinking back to the day he had "permenantly borrowed" the Type-40 about to be decommissioned to make way for newer, supposedly better, models. It hadn't seemed so at the time, but the choice hadn't been random. He now believed the TARDIS had chosen him instead of the other way around. She was a clever old girl and, though he would have denied it centuries ago, he wouldn't put such a trick beyond her.
You chose wisely.
The smile dropped slightly. Wish I could say the same for you, old girl. Sometimes I wonder if your choice was just as wise.
A strong, warm-fuzzy feeling flooded the Time Lord's being, lifting his spirits and dispelling any doubts.
It was all the answer he needed.