[40] - [Voice]

[doctor_j_crane]

[Sounding irritated. And is so oblivious to the fact he's been gone for a while, but has noticed quite a few new posts. Even if Crane hasn't bothered to read them.]

It's amazing how much all of you can talk in one day. This is some kind of flood, I assume?

[Added later. Angry Crane is angry.]

Oh, good show, Admiral. I'll keep in mind that abrupt disappearances are now one of the many punishment options that you offer alongside floods, ports and zero. Bravo.


[Private - Eddie]

Are you in the infirmary? [That fear toxin was heavy stuff.]

[Private - Hayley]

I had to use that toxin for other purposes. It wasn't anything personal.

[Private - Eames]

We need to talk. [Added later.] Did you know that the Admiral was going to do that?

Comments

Private [voice]

[aforger]

Went on a bit of a rampage with his sword, made some zombies. I'm not certain if he's still in level zero for it. I can tell you he's a bit less level and potentially more violent. I'd avoid him.

It seems the most practical, unless you had something else in mind?

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Joy. I'm profoundly disappointed that his claims of supernatural powers over the dead turned out to be real.

No, that's suitable. If I turn up early you can assume that I've been avoiding Arthas.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

Jealous you don't have your own superpowers, Jonathan?

I'll keep that in mind.

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

No. In my own experience, people with such powers rarely put any effort into developing other potential weapons. Like their mind.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

Mm. Well said.

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I try. Have you got a plan in mind for how to handle the Arthas situation?

Private [voice]

[aforger]

I rather enjoy it. It's a good reminder for you not to get yourself in a similar situation. [You can hear the smile in his voice.]

[There's a pause, then he's a little more serious. Just a little.] We'll talk about it tonight.

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I don't intend to get myself into a similar situation. The fallout from working with Arthas was worse than any potential benefits that it could have ever had. [Honesty! What a strange thing.]

[Deadly serious.] Good. Something needs to be done.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

I hope you're being honest about that. [Eames is still burned by Crane's lie about stuff shortly before leaving.]

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Given the past, I don't expect you to believe me. But it is true.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

I don't believe you'll walk into one knowing entirely what it is, but I do doubt your likelihood of considering a person fully before entering into an arrangement. [Pause.] Perhaps that's another talk best saved for tonight. We have a great deal of catching up to do, it seems.

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

We do. I'm also curious as to what you've been doing in the last two weeks.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

Mm.. looking for you, until we were assigned. Then enjoying my bit of freedom. I did a bit of work, the same kind of as back home, but I doubt you could appreciate that.

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I'm surprised that the Admiral even gave you that much information. I also can't imagine the type of work that you do, since I don't know what it is.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

I had assumed it was because you didn't want it. Perhaps he does have a nice moment every now and then.

That was the point, yes. When I trust you, you'll know what I do.

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

A nice moment in between all the other moments of torment for his amusement.

I'm going to be disappointed if it isn't something exotic.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

At least there's one.

I assure you, you'll be far from disappointed.

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Directed at you.

I should hope so. All of that secrecy. It makes one wonder.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

You don't consider it a kindness to yourself? Even a little bit?

What if I told you that I was a criminal? Would you believe me?

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I wasn't here, so it couldn't have been. Although it isn't like he paired me up with Howie, so that's something.

I would. There's a certain type of clever that you don't normally see in people on the other side of the game.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

But you're here now. Clearly he knew you were coming back.

Is that meant to be a compliment?

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

Considering he's in control of it, I imagine that he did.

No. [Yes.] You're reading too much into things.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

Then if you like me as your warden, it could be a kindness.

[Eames gives a small laugh at that.] Mm, too bad. I was beginning to think you might actually respect me. Silly idea.

Private [voice]

[doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com]

I didn't say that. [This was why Crane didn't want to talk about it. Stupid feelings.]

There are levels of respect. It's not all or nothing. Which before you say anything, is not me saying that I respect you.

Private [voice]

[aforger]

Then I'll request a reassignment.

Of course not. Another reason maybe you need someone else.