Case #41: Video

[19centconstable]

[George looks much less youthfully enthusiastic than usual. And sad. Try as he might, he can't quite help but look sad.]

I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of this, but I'm afraid Miss Jane Brunswick has elected to return home. If anyone was wondering.

Comments

[most_feared]

She was a nice lady. She didn't like it here much. [He's worried though.]

[19centconstable]

I suppose she didn't.

And she has got people and important things to do waiting for her, as I understand it, and I'd certainly never begrudge anyone all of that.

I will miss her, though.

[most_feared]

[That's the worst feeling, isn't it?]

Yeah.

[And he clears his throat. He's terrible at this making-people-feel-better thing.]

[19centconstable]

[It's okay, K.: George is a man.]

There's nothing to be done for it, of course.

You've been well, I hope?

[most_feared]

[This sort of socializing is better and doesn't stump him.] Alright, mostly.

You?

[19centconstable]

I had been. Yes. Certainly.

I can't say I approved much of the last port.

[most_feared]

[Little bit of a snort.] Vegas doesn't seem like it would be your scene.

[19centconstable]

It seemed like an unhealthy amount of gambling.

[most_feared]

A lot of it's not healthy. Most people there want to find some way to forget their problems. That's what it's for.

[lastmanstanding]

[Hoffman coughs]

Friend of yours?

[19centconstable]

Yes she is. Was. ...is.

[lastmanstanding]

Close friend?

[Translation: Girlfriend?]

.....It goes away after awhile.

[19centconstable]

[George doesn't know that language.]

I would say so, yes.

And it does. Mostly.

[lastmanstanding]

[Hoffman's eyes crinkle]

...You want to dri-

[no. Can't do that. Hoffman looks conflicted, then angry.]

Take care of yourself.

[disconnect.]

[19centconstable]

[Oh great. Now George has that to worry about.]

[Spam]

[lastmanstanding]

[About ten to fifteen minutes after the last communication, there's a knock at George's door. Hoffman's in a brown leather jacket and a pair of jeans-someone went to KMart while in Vegas.]

George?

Re: [Spam]

[19centconstable]

[George is at the door quite quickly, mostly because George's room is so small.]

Detective. This is a surprise.

[And a relief.]

[buywithme]

Jane Brunswick? Wasn't she...

[The last other person from a totalitarian world. It takes him a moment to realise this, and the feed abruptly ends with a click. Sorry, George, he's got some sulking to do.]

[19centconstable]

[But Prefect we could be sulking together.]

[buywithme]

[Last time he sulked in front of you you used logic on him, George. Don't think he doesn't remember.]


[...On the other hand]



[Click:]

Would you like a drink? It would have to be in the infirmary, because I have to wait for my inmate to wake up, but normally when someone I like leaves I go for a drink.

[19centconstable]

I would I think. Though just the one.

Is drinking allowed in the infirmary?

[buywithme]

I'll make sure I get you a big cup then.

Comrade, we're wardens. Even though people like to act as though there are rules which govern the Barge, we are technically allowed to do whatever we want.

[19centconstable]

I suppose that's true. I was just worried it might be unsanitary.

[buywithme]

Oh. No, don't worry about that. What we'll be drinking is completely sterile.

[19centconstable]

How's that?

[...what are we drinking Prefect.]