[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

[bywolves]

[ Whew. Bullet dodged. ] I know what you meant. I won't be plugging my ears. Might mean I'd miss something.

[devoutish]

Then you will just have to suffer.

[bywolves]

[ Wryly: ] So no real change, then.

[devoutish]

At least you've got food.

[But he says it good-naturedly.]

[bywolves]

You're telling me Watson didn't take pity on you?

[devoutish]

I think he might have if he'd had a choice, even with the scalpel incident.

Chicken and beans, last night. Not a meal's worth, but enough to make a dent. Still, it's good to keep fed with the cold and the walking.

[bywolves]

[ Alfie doesn't deserve to starve to death. So. Royce is glad.

Maybe it's a little mean, but he flips to video so he can show Alfie his packs, one of which is stuffed with rations. ] You have this to look forward to.

[devoutish]

[Totally mean.]

I don't know what to make of the food here. Have you tried the flavored potato crisps yet? Lays?

[Alfie hasn't made it to the school or the grocery store yet - the only rations he's stocked up on are the junk food at the convenience store.]

[bywolves]

They're definitely not potatoes. [ So yes, he has. ] Tastes like salt. Or at least, the ones I picked up did.

[ A beat. ] I like pretzels, though.

[devoutish]

They're fried potatoes. We've got 'em at home, but they're not quite the same.

Are pretzels new to you?

[bywolves]

[ He just leaves the video on. Why not. Alfie's seen his face. He does set the tablet down to dig through his supplies, though. ]

They are. Nearly everything in there is. Rations are usually strips of salted pork, not... whatever Cheetos are. [ Alfie can probably see Royce's disgusted face as he picks up the bag from this angle. Eurgh. ]

[devoutish]

The orange ones? Yeah. I had those, too. Can't figure out what they're supposed to taste like - the bag says cheese, but I can't see it, myself.

[bywolves]

They taste like what I imagine chalk must taste like. [ Huff. ] And the dust gets everywhere.

[devoutish]

Can't say I think they taste like chalk, mate, but I agree about the dust.