[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

@gravedigger; voice

[harlequinofhate]

I know this yarn.

Everyone locked in. Clown gets cabin fever and kills someone.

What's all this about a tunnel?

[devoutish]

It's been talked about elsewhere. I'm not gonna do your research for you.

[harlequinofhate]

You mean the kid digging in the snow?

[Wet, ragged cough.]

[devoutish]

You sound awful, mate.

Yeah, the kid digging in the snow.

[harlequinofhate]

I feel pretty cruddy, I won't lie to ya.

[He clears his throat.]

Wouldn't it be kewl if that little shred of hope ended up being a real clue for a change? HAH!

[devoutish]

Shame we didn't speak last night; I had a doctor with me. Where are you now, mate?

[harlequinofhate]

Somewhere cold and lonely.

Same old story, eh?

[devoutish]

That's a shame. North or south?

[Come ooooooon Joker he really wants to know. Be a pal.]

[harlequinofhate]

Now why would I tell you something like that?

[devoutish]

Well, I'm not gonna come hurt you, mate; don't worry about that.

[harlequinofhate]

I'm at the bottom of the lake.

Jump on in.

[devoutish]

I feel like I've offended you.

[harlequinofhate]

Suppose roving bands of goons were out for your noggin. Would you go around telling folks where you were?

[devoutish]

I wouldn't. But you're unpredictable, eh?

[harlequinofhate]

Unpredictable isn't the same as stupid, my good man.

[devoutish]

Well, I'm certainly not gonna try to force you. It's just a question, yeah? You don't want to answer, that's your business.

[harlequinofhate]

Smart lad.

Dontcha worry, you'll know when I let the curtains rise again.

[devoutish]

[Yeah, that's kind of what he's worried about.]

Keep yourself warm.

[harlequinofhate]

Aw, shucks, how nice of you to be so concerned.

I'm fine, thanks...

Well... I mean aside from this nasty bit of bubonic plague I seem to have.

[devoutish]

Yeah, you really should get that looked at, mate.

[harlequinofhate]

I really should, hm?

I seem to have such terrible luck with doctors.

[devoutish]

Fucking tell me about it.

[harlequinofhate]

Do yours always end up dead too?

[devoutish]

So far, here, they've ended up in altercations with me.

[harlequinofhate]

Oh, so you've met House? Quite the charmer ain't he?