simplestgift | Sixteen Bells: [WRITTEN/VOICE/ACTION]

[Filtered against known villains and Grell, 100% unhackable]

[The handwriting is disguised, and the picture obscured. The message is as anonymous as possible.]

If there is anyone returned from a kidnapping or being threatened who does not feel safe in his or her home, speak to anyone at the Welcome Center and they will direct you to a safe place to stay until things are better.

If you wish to volunteer to house someone, you will need a reference from a trusted member of the community.

[/Filter]

[A few minutes later, he uncovers the camera and starts a new message, spoken this time.]

Alexis Rodgers has been sent home. At least I assume as much--no one has seen her and her flat is empty. It's good. She was very homesick, and...

[A pause. There's nothing really to say after that. He doesn't sound greatly distressed, but there's definitely a certain melancholy.

He'll be at the library this afternoon, and Good Spirits tonight. Missing Dawn, mostly. He'll occasionally walk through the item shop, killing time looking for little gifts to pick up for her. At some point, he'll go see Ingrid in the clinic. In the evening, he'll pay a visit to Jack Sparrow's house on the beach. He's there to see Horatio, of course.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You are. [Always.

That comes easily. The rest... takes him a moment.]

And if it is Clive and Sawyer all over again? Keeping the problem quiet while refusing to act? To make a clear decision? Talking when something should be done?

How long will you stand for that, Archie?

I won't. You and I will both be part of this. If they won't listen, then we will speak of what to do, without them. You can't carry off a mutiny with one man, Horatio.

Edited 2011-06-27 07:20 (UTC)

[There's a laugh-- sharp and dry, strained.]

This isn't mutiny.

[That will come later.]

You take my meaning.

[And now?

All he can do is stand there and think. His mind goes through the options, the consequences, the risks.

But he says nothing. Not yet.]

[So Archie remains silent, almost afraid that if he says anything else, he'll talk Horatio right back out of it.]

[He swallowed hard. He needed to know every side, every angle to consider.]

And if I refuse?

Then I'll do anything in my power to ensure this duel does not take place.

["I'll act as your second, of course."
"You need me by your side."

Horatio allowed himself a dark smile. He was beginning to realize he had very poor taste in seconds.

For several long moments, he didn't answer. Then, finally...]

You don't know when or where it will be.

[A lie sat at the tip of his tongue-- The third, sunrise, on the beach.]

I said I'll do everything in my power, Horatio. I kidnapped you, didn't I?

[He almost laughed.

Very bad choice in seconds, indeed.]

Archie.

[What was there to say? They were both determined. So, instead.

A different topic.]

How did you manage that?

My opiates.

[Plain, simple, straightforward, but not proud.]

Well done.

[He sighed.

What other tricks would Archie have up his sleeve? He was almost eager to find out.]

I didn't like doing it. I still don't like it.

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