[network] @ASolomons; audio, morning of 127 [open]

[devoutish]

[When the morning comes and Watson is gone, it's not really a surprise - Alfie had woken him up in the middle of the night for a "discussion" at scalpelpoint, after all. He figures that Watson had snuck out as soon as lockdown ended, purposefully not waking Alfie. That's fine. Alfie has warmer clothes now, and better shoes. He needs that far more than he needs company.]

Good morning. How's Kesara's tunnel coming along? 'Cause I'm headed in that direction today.

[And aren't you all just thrilled about that.]

Yeah, I should get there in four or five days. Big discovery like this, I'd guess there's a lot of people in the area, and I thought it'd be a good idea to talk a bit more with all of you - find out who's digging, and who's staying where. Because the thing I do not want, right, is to walk into a pileup - five, six, seven people trying to cram into one house for the night. I would like some confirmation of coordination.

[And he talks, he's heading for the door, giving the little room a quick once-over with the tablet light to make sure he's not leaving anything behind.]

I'm seeing on the map there's two houses very close by, and a few more that are only a bit further. Might I reserve myself a spot in--

[But he cuts himself off, because he's tried the door, and it's still locked. He double-checks the time. It's definitely after lockdown is supposed to be over.

There are a few explanations here. Two stand out to him as being the most likely.]

Right - bit of a problem here, yeah; I'm having a bit of an unexpected issue. Either lockdown has been extended and Dr. Watson has been spirited away in the night, or he's found a way to lock me in. So I ask you - are any of the rest of you experiencing this, or should I be considering it a punishment for my very naughty misdeeds?

Comments

private

[devoutish]

Really? Thanks.

The wrench, the jump rope, the matches, and the wire cutters.

private

[rubikscomplex]

pick the cutters or the wrench
you're bringing me a bottle of pills
not the elixer of life

[He'd give Alfie just about everything on his list for those pills, but he doesn't want Alfie knowing that.]

private

[devoutish]

You're also paying for my time, remember. I'm going out of my way to get to the pharmacy.

Trade the wrench out for the mirror. Mirror, cutters, matches, rope.

private

[rubikscomplex]

[He has two hand mirrors. That's fine. He can do that.]

vanity, my favorite sin
said the devil

fine
i've got two of those
consider one my gift to keep you looking like the handsome stud you are

private

[devoutish]

Deal. We'll exchange when I get there, if you haven't moved through the snow and beyond by then.

So there's you, Kesara, formerly Zach.

[Who he doesn't know, but.]

Who else?

private

[rubikscomplex]

how about we make another deal to stay in separate houses for the night after that little trade
for everyone's sake

ecks and some guy
he said he told freamon he was coming

private

[devoutish]

That's what I'm trying to organize here.

Four or five total is fewer than I expected. I may be bringing Duster with me.

[Enjoy that, House.]

private

[rubikscomplex]

yippie skippy
tell your boyfriend i won't talk to him if he doesn't talk to me

private

[devoutish]

I'm not your errand boy, House.

private

[rubikscomplex]

dude
you're going to be physically with him
and this is one of those
i can't really tell him i'm not going to talk to him if i talk to him to tell him things
i'm not interested in a repeat performance of the other night
unless you are
just tell him

private

[devoutish]

Send him a message before he arrives and tell him you want to avoid each other. Use your words.

private

[rubikscomplex]

but daaaaaad
that's so hard!

private

[devoutish]

It's character building.

private

[rubikscomplex]

are you actually saying i'm not enough of a character?
that's a first

private

[devoutish]

I can pass along that you're scared of him, if you like.

private

[rubikscomplex]

[Alfie, you act as though House has anything approaching shame about this particular issue.]

sure
if it'll soften him up
or get him hard
either works

private

[devoutish]

I wouldn't know anything about either one.

private

[rubikscomplex]

sure you wouldn't
see you in a few days, solomons