013: VIDEO

[intheblanks]

[Lab coat on, it's another general address. Anyone paying attention might note he rarely (deliberately) uses the network for anything personal.]

All non-emergency surgical procedures are officially cancelled until further notice. The hospital can no longer guarantee a non-contaminated operating space. If anyone knows a way to hold the sand back, or of somewhere that's not emulating the Sahara, please get in touch. When I want to go to work in flip-flops I'll open that beach shack.

[He reaches forward to turn off the monitor. Hesitates.]

Oh, and for those of you who weren't taught it when you were three: don't take candy from strangers.


[ooc: he's eaten dozens of the hearts, but he's unlikely to be telling -you- that. His secrets are available in multiples and still open for takers.]

Comments

voice;

[dignity_misery]

We each had one, my brothers and I.

voice;

[intheblanks]

You're talking around the question, but that's all right. Older or younger brothers?

voice;

[dignity_misery]

Two older brothers. They weren't really the point though.

voice;

[intheblanks]

But they were interesting. I expected you'd be an only child.

What was?

voice;

[dignity_misery]

I suppose I was.

The point was how little any of us had to do with each other.

[...not for want of trying on her family's part...]

voice;

[intheblanks]

Less interesting.

Rich families have always farmed out their kids. Poor families work too hard to see them. Bonding's is a bourgeois ideal.

Were you lonely?

voice;

[dignity_misery]

No.

[She sounds scornful that he even had to ask that.]

voice;

[intheblanks]

Then you're telling me as an advert for your own self-sufficiency?

voice;

[dignity_misery]

Just answering your questions.

voice;

[intheblanks]

You haven't answered any of my questions, except the one that wasn't the point.

voice;

[dignity_misery]

I think that means you're not asking the right ones.

voice;

[intheblanks]

Another test?

Of course, last time you just wanted me to tell you you looked pretty.

voice;

[dignity_misery]

They're games, not tests, doctor.

voice;

[intheblanks]

But being self-sufficient is important. Or at least autonomous.

voice;

[dignity_misery]

[What a button pusher.]

So do I get a gold star?

[She doesn't sound bitter at all.]

voice;

[intheblanks]

No one gets points for setting the target.

voice;

[dignity_misery]

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

voice;

[intheblanks]

Why would you want one.

voice;

[dignity_misery]

[He's lucky he's out of her reach.]

Don't pretend like sarcasm confuses you, doctor.

voice;

[intheblanks]

[Maybe he likes the risk.]

Come on, it was too good to waste. How many.

Do you want me to guess?

voice;

[dignity_misery]

I picked a few that sounded interesting.

voice;

[intheblanks]

You should have let me, I'd have been right. Were they?

voice;

[dignity_misery]

For the most part.

voice;

[intheblanks]

Shame the interesting ones taste bitter.

voice;

[dignity_misery]

That might just be you.