He accepted. Took his own companions home first, but he accepted the commission. No less than a dozen Time Lords took up residence in the normally empty halls. Certain rooms remained off-limits, but he didn't offer any explanations. They didn't deserve any. Their way with the TARDIS always made him cringe.
It was a living, aware ship. Not just some bolts and dials to be controlled. Why, they even offered to fix the Chameleon Circuit. The cheek! That offer came from a student just out of the Academy, but they all were loud. Yet, he still misses it sometimes. Sometimes.