[ That sure is a thought for consideration. This Doctor having a companion of some sort - perhaps this individual was what one would call a crutch of some sort.
Maybe, this companion was more than even just a mere crutch of an assistant in plan's, though; which seems likely as Void Archives thinks - both inwardly and outwardly. ]
While I don't have a more firmer grasp on the Doctor's personality to make wider and far-reaching thoughts on the matter, I believe you are likely correct to suspect Stone's disappearance and the Doctor's change being related. Although it is never a guarantee that an individual showing such undying loyalty to another would be acknowledged, I find it difficult to believe it wouldn't be noticed. To that point, you mention that he was allowed to keep his own mind while the other individuals were not. Which leads me to suspect that it went beyond noticing and entered the realm of some kind of close relationship.
It seems hard to speculate on what could have caused Stone's disappearance. Though, it could have been the result from something as simple as a previous clash with a group that simply didn't go well with Stone. Or, perhaps, even an unfortunate accident.
It makes me curious, all the same...and it feels like something we should figure out. Just simply holding more knowledge on the subject could prove integral to helping us fight against the Doctor.
no subject
[ That sure is a thought for consideration. This Doctor having a companion of some sort - perhaps this individual was what one would call a crutch of some sort.
Maybe, this companion was more than even just a mere crutch of an assistant in plan's, though; which seems likely as Void Archives thinks - both inwardly and outwardly. ]
While I don't have a more firmer grasp on the Doctor's personality to make wider and far-reaching thoughts on the matter, I believe you are likely correct to suspect Stone's disappearance and the Doctor's change being related. Although it is never a guarantee that an individual showing such undying loyalty to another would be acknowledged, I find it difficult to believe it wouldn't be noticed. To that point, you mention that he was allowed to keep his own mind while the other individuals were not. Which leads me to suspect that it went beyond noticing and entered the realm of some kind of close relationship.
It seems hard to speculate on what could have caused Stone's disappearance. Though, it could have been the result from something as simple as a previous clash with a group that simply didn't go well with Stone. Or, perhaps, even an unfortunate accident.
It makes me curious, all the same...and it feels like something we should figure out. Just simply holding more knowledge on the subject could prove integral to helping us fight against the Doctor.