[Open - Mingle away guys!]

[the_good_doctor]

Who: Watson, Clinic Staff, Interested Parties, Random Passers-by, possibly Holmes.
What: A picnic to celebrate the hard work of the clinic staff/get to know each other.
When: Day 62 - mid-day to mid-afternoon!
Where: Gefion Park.
Rating: ... PG for Holmes.

[It was hard to find anywhere in the lavishly tended gardens of Gefion Park to set up a picnic blanket, but eventually Watson found the perfect spot of green grass -- and was it ever green! Surely grass had never been so vibrant? -- lots of sun, shade provided for those who wanted it in the form of some meticulously sculpted evergreens and even enough space to play cricket, should they want to. I'll bring a bat next time, Watson decided before catching himself -- there wouldn't be a next time.

Still, all the more reason to spend what time they had left together in fun. He'd lost Holmes -- or Holmes had lost interest and wandered off while Watson was making the preparations for the picnic, but Watson had no doubt that his friend would find him again when he was ready -- and hopefully there would be some members of the picnic party around to introduce when he did. Until then --

The day was warm, and there was a cool beer in the hamper with his name written all over it. Hanging jacket on the box-hedge, and discarding his tie with it, Watson rolled up his sleeves before settling back in the sun with his beer, utterly content.]

Comments

[pitied]

[She's here, she's unamused, and she's sitting off to the side with a clipbaord. If you're making her come here, she's going to get work done. She doesn't like crowds or people or being outside.

But maybe here's a chance to break the coded personality here. After all it's why she agreed to this whole ridiculousness thing.]

[the_good_doctor]

[At least she's here. As Dr Saunders doesn't put away her clipboard after some time in the sun and fresh air, Watson realises he'll have to take matters into his own hands.

Putting a selection of sandwiches, mini cornish pastries, and custard tart on a plate he brings it over to her.]

Something to eat, Dr Saunders?

[pitied]

[He is impossible. She looks up at him.]

This is your attempt to get me to socialize.

[the_good_doctor]

Not just you -- the whole staff. [Watson takes this as invitation to sit down next to her.] The clinic wouldn't be running at all if it wasn't for everyone's hard work -- we've earned a break, and who knows when we'll get another like this?

[pitied]

[She takes the plate. The things she does for you.]

I don't like people.

[the_good_doctor]

-- ah.

Well, that could be difficult.

[pitied]

It is. [She sits back and fixes her skirt before looking back at him.]

[the_good_doctor]

In that case, why practice medicine? Was it the theoretical side that appealed?

[pitied]

I like the job. It's... thorough. [That and she was programmed to.]

[the_good_doctor]

Well, that is as good a reason as any other.

[pitied]

It's complicated, Watson.

[the_good_doctor]

I'm getting that impression.

[Watson glances around to check that none of their companion's are in hearing before venturing--]

You weren't merely held captive, were you?

[pitied]

[She puts the food down and scoops some hair behind her ear before looking at him.]

No. They made it seem like it was my choice. I was lied to and used, and no one seemed to care or notice.

[the_good_doctor]

[That is hard to imagine -- but from Saunder's tone, it's clearly true.]

I'm sorry.

[pitied]

You don't have to apologize. It just is. The company I worked for hurt people with the technology they had. I found out recently that I am one of those people. I didn't work for them in the way I thought.

[the_good_doctor]

So when you spoke of technology able to create illusions --

[pitied]

My whole life is a lie. Claire Saunders doesn't exist.

[the_good_doctor]

How did you find out?

[pitied]

One of the original actives took me hostage. He told me. My codename was Whiskey.

[the_good_doctor]

By 'actives' you mean, one of the founding members of this company?

[pitied]

No. I worked at a place called a Dollhouse. An active was a doll, someone stripped of their own personality.

[the_good_doctor]

To what end? To allow the company you worked for to ensure your dependence on them?

[pitied]

No. [She gave a sad, grave smile.] It's called a Dollhouse for a reason. Very rich clients come to it wanting a night or a weekend with their perfect person. Using technology, actives are erased of their own personality and designed to do whatever the client wants.

[the_good_doctor]

That's -- but that's appalling! Outrageous--

[Watson took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.] My apologies, Dr Saunders. Any outrage on my part must be just so much words for you -- already well acquainted with your employers as you are.

[pitied]

There was nothing to be done about them. The Los Angeles branch is one of twenty three around the world.

My scars. They were given to me by another active. He also killed the original Dr. Saunders. I was known as Whiskey. I was the best active and it seems the human brain should not be underestimated. Actives have the ability of developing despite being erased of all previous personalities. Alpha fell in love and took me out.

Whiskey was out of commission and they needed a doctor. Dr. Claire Saunders was born in that decision. All that I am is computer coding made by a technician.