Case #19: Video

[19centconstable]

[The video feed turns on, and George settles back into his chair. He's seated in the infirmary, next to Eddie Spinola's bed. He has a book on his lap. The book would seem to be making little happy noises, except that's impossible. Isn't it?]

I suspect this has already been discussed, or at least asked, and I do apologize if that is the case, but I would like very much to know: what is it you believe in?

Not what you don't believe in, because that's not important, but what you do. Whatever that is. Because everyone must believe in something. And I'm interested to know what that might be. For instance: I've been having a thrilling read about this worm which devours...

[George glances down at the book on his lap.]

Oh! And: unrelatedly, does anybody know the average circumference of a man's chest?

Comments

[hourglass-twin.livejournal.com]

...why would you want to know the average circumference of a man's chest?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Because I've tried looking it up in medical books, and I haven't been able to find a number anywhere.

[hourglass-twin.livejournal.com]

Probably because no one but a tailor would care enough to make note of it.

[takeyouapart.livejournal.com]

[...no, wait, what?]

Your book sounds, uh. Cheerful.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

[George glances down at it again, slightly uncomfortably. Like one does when one has a very old cat on one's lap, and one isn't entirely sure it might not start digging in its claws for no reason, or vomitting.]

Oh. Yes. It just...wanted some attention. I think.

[takeyouapart.livejournal.com]

How did you get a book that's so...lively?

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

[Foodporn closeup of chocolate silk pie]

Hey look, George, I figured out piecrusts! [She pokes it with a fork; after so much practice and some help, they're properly flaky.]

[The camera pulls back and Wanda smiles and waves.]

How's Eddie doing?

Worm that devours--hey, are you reading Dune?

As for what I believe, I believe in what the Greeks called arete. Personal excellence--not just power, or expertise, or virtuous use of them, but the whole package of being the best one can be.

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

That looks delicious.

Mr. Spinola seems to be resting comfortably. Which is more than I can say for myself. This chair is no good for napping, and my shoulder is sore already...

It hasn't said anything about any dunes.

That's very optimistic of the Greeks. I think they mostly believe in sailing in my time.

[scarlet-discord.livejournal.com]

Lemme bring you a slice of this and see if it doesn't help. It's good of you to stick with him. I don't think he has any enemies, but it's a really vulnerable state to be in.

Ah, all right. What's the book's title?

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

I... couldn't tell you.

As for what I believe in. I believe in nobody having to sacrifice their life for the collective, and in progress over stagnation.

[Private]

Is Eddie still alright?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I agree with that depending on what you mean by 'sacrifice'.

[Private]

I believe so. There hasn't been any change. He looks quite peaceful.

[needshumility.livejournal.com]

It's a very open ended meaning. Easy to loophole. Unfortunately.

[Private]

Have you been there the whole time?

[doctor-scarf.livejournal.com]

I haven't been able to find my measuring tape-maybe I can borrow some from myself?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

But...you've just said...

[doctor-scarf.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, I haven't explained regeneration to you yet, have I?

[batmanschmatman]

[So, so tempted to say I believe in Batman.] I believe in people.

What makes you ask?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

All of them?

Some of the responses to Mr. Prefect last week, honestly.

[batmanschmatman]

Not all of them, but sure, most of them.

So, what do you believe in?

[thefuckening.livejournal.com]

I've never seen it look so... happy. [DISTURBED.]

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Really? All I did was pay a bit of attention to it.

[thefuckening.livejournal.com]

You'll spoil it! Now it'll whine at me when I don't give it as much attention as you. [ALSO... he might be jealous that his book likes George better.]

[i_like_your]

This can vary with factors such as age, diet and ethnicity.

[Included with this text reply is a comprehensive chart of clothing sizes typical for North America.]

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. Well I suppose that is helpful. Thank you.

[darknessb4me]

Myself.

[In the same breath:] How has someone not killed you yet?

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I suppose because I always try to do right by others.

Believing in one's self is very positive.