IC Inbox (v1.0)

[jumpthegun]

You've reached Dr. John Watson. Please leave a message.

Comments

[jumpthegun]

He knows we're running low on narcotics, and he's a doctor. I'm not too surprised, honestly. But you can only help him as much as he's willing to let you. Just remember it's not actually your responsibility.

[thewarningafter]

Something needs to be.

[Did he say that out loud? Stephen sighs and shakes his head, unseen.]

Hell. I've got his supply, there's only so much non-cooperation he can pull off...until he finds someone else to be his workaround.

[jumpthegun]

Yeah, you might want to keep your eye on Wilson there. [He doesn't like gossiping, but this is important.] He prescribed morphine to Sherlock after I specifically told him not to, and to contact me before he does that.

[thewarningafter]

Oh, good. And here I thought pulling Dr. Wilson aside for a talk back when we started would actually mean something.

[jumpthegun]

Put the fear of god into the bloke. Hopefully, that won't be a problem in the future. But just keep an eye out.

[thewarningafter]

I am. God, I am. Just a week more, though, two tops. I just have to get through this.

This was a lot easier when House was a kid.

[jumpthegun]

Please just don't feel bad if it doesn't hold, okay, mate? He's not a kid now, he's a grown bloody man. And you're not his sober companion.

[thewarningafter]

I mean, I kind of am.

I'd just like to do one thing I'd set out to do here. I don't think that's so much to ask.

[jumpthegun]

It's not, but an addict's an addict. There's only so much you can take responsibility for. You wind up pouring your energy down a black hole if you let them suck you in.

[He means Harry... maybe a little bit himself. Sherlock isn't actually on his mind as much here.]

[thewarningafter]

[Siiigh. He doesn't want to be realistic.]

Enough about House. [Though he can guess they're not just talking about House...even if he assumes John's referring to Sherlock.] How's your life these days?

[jumpthegun]

Oh, sunshine, rainbows. The usually y'know?

[thewarningafter]

[Oh, good, that really opened the floor up to small talk. Thanks, John.]

Careful. Too many rainbows will give you diabetes.

[jumpthegun]

Here I thought that was Skittles. We're gonna have to restock at one of the vending machines in the Industrial Zone when I make it through these tunnels. I'm not looking forward to that.

[thewarningafter]

Skittles, rainbows. Thought they were the same thing -- unless you're going to tell me I can't trust what I see on TV.

Check the ones nearest the gate on the south end? I put some real food in those machines ages back but I never made it back that way to find out whether it made any difference in what they stocked there.

[jumpthegun]

Might need to fill up before then, but I'll make a note to check. It'd be nice if we could get some real food. As real as any food gets here. But that's me complaining now about the selection. At least we have something, right?

[His bar has been drastically lowered since arriving in Norfinbury.]

[thewarningafter]

I heard downtown there's even bread. Lap of luxury, that's us.

[jumpthegun]

Mm... and there's hot food at the entrance. Hot coffee, at that.

[thewarningafter]

They really ought to put that in the guidebook. It's a real highlight.

[jumpthegun]

If it weren't so bloody far from everything else, I might pop down there more often. Or the grocery store. Could we please find some tunnels that lead to Downtown?

[thewarningafter]

God, yes.

[He's not even joking; it slips out as genuine wishfulness.]

Biggest disappointment of my life.

...Maybe second biggest.

[jumpthegun]

[John huffs a light laugh. It's more resigned than amused.]

Reckon we just need to sort out the next bit of the spiral to get to some really good food, yeah?

[Keep hope alive.]

[thewarningafter]

[Stephen's smile, though John can't see it, is sad. There's nothing good coming up; places have only gotten worse as they've gotten nearer and nearer the center.]

Yeah. Watch, there'll be a fully automated restaurant, hot food every morning.

[jumpthegun]

Don't jinx it! Mind you, if we're putting out suggestions to the Admin, the fabled hot spring wouldn't go amiss.

[thewarningafter]

I think you mean the hot spring with the full-service spa. I'm just not entirely sure I'm down to get massaged by a robot spider.

[jumpthegun]

That's eight hands, instead of two. I'd say you're getting a better deal.