theblogger | Appointments

[Edgeworth feels a slight surge of either disbelief or optimism - he's not certain which. Honestly, he half didn't believe what he'd been telling to her - that there is hope, that there's any possibility. But if a doctor like Watson thinks there's some chance, even a remote and untested chance...

His voice is suddenly tense, energetic.]

I'll...get her word, first, that she's willing. I'd not want anyone wasting their time, no - but what is the idea?

Well, there is a geneticist on board and the machinery on this shop far surpasses the technology of my time. There may be some information about gene therapy in the library or else, perhaps, in the science department. Someone made those...things, and it sounds like you're saying someone made her the way she is. Logically you'd think there's a way to do something.... They were doing genetic experiments in my time. The future has got to have advanced.

...That's a good point.

[He hadn't remembered about those creatures. But that's true, they were engineered no less than she was - ]

If only they hadn't destroyed their records. The original science team, I mean. Still, I like the thought of the research that went into those monstrosities saving lives, rather than taking them.

Edited 2012-08-18 21:53 (UTC)

Well, if she's willing to work with me, I'll do the best I can for her and have everyone looking into it that could possibly help. We're certainly not going to just let her die if she doesn't want to go. Does she take any medication? If nothing else, we've a synthesizer that can recreate just about any material. We've had to make a lot of blood and replicated the cure for the epidemic through it.

But talk to her and be sure...

By any chance, is this the girl that told the network that medbay was injecting people with untoward things?

[A slight pause, and then he confesses:]

It is. I...will be quite frank; I still do not entirely know why she said that.

I'll take an apology, in any case.

[He presses his lips together. His voice is taut.]

If I cannot secure one from her...you will not refuse to help her, will you?

[ There's a soft sigh. ]

No, I'd still help her. But it wasn't exactly helpful to be heaping accusations on us for, as you said, no apparent reason.

I think our record speaks for us anyway. Still, it'd be nice to hear that we're not the villains she made us out to be.

Without question.

I'll see what I can do. I know it's not pleasant to have one's reputation assailed.

Let me know what she decides. The first thing we're going to need to do is take blood samples.

All right.

[A slight pause - ]

I do not want to sound insulting, because obviously this is your duty. But I...do want to thank you, Dr. Watson. It may be something you are called to do, but it is also very generous and good.

[ There is also a slight pause, and even if his tone is a bit weary, it's a little warmer too. ]

It never hurts to hear someone say thanks; it's actually all any of us can hope for these days. I think it's good you're trying to look out for her, too. You strike me as someone I'd be grateful to have on my side, Mister Edgeworth.

...

May I ask you something? More of a... more of a favor, really.

Edited 2012-08-19 04:16 (UTC)

Of course. Please, ask; I'll gladly do whatever is within my power.

Are you investigating Sherlock's death?

...Yes.

I want you to stay clear of it.

[ Moriarty didn't leave a trace, John is sure, but Edgeworth putting his nose into this will bring his attention, if the man hasn't already earned it. This is his and Sherlock's burden. ]

Don't ask why. Will you do that, for me?

But -

[He snaps his jaws shut on his protest. He had promised Watson, and he's not one to just forsake his promises. But even so, it does rather sting.]

I am a competent investigator. Not on his level, perhaps, but I could help.

Edited 2012-08-19 04:44 (UTC)

That's not the issue. Just -- [ There's a slow sigh through his nose. ] I don't want you hurt. I couldn't stand thinking that I -- Please just do as I ask.

[Wait - then that is the issue? Edgeworth certainly doesn't like the implication that he must be coddled - though he does, admittedly, prefer it to the thought that Watson thought he was incompetent. But issues of pride aside, that statement sparks any number of other questions. Is there a real danger? Does Watson know who it is? Is all this sparked by some psychological effect, some amount of associating what happened to Holmes with hurt in general, or is there someone...

But he said he'd do what Watson asked.

Damn it all.]

If it would bring you peace of mind. But facing danger is part and parcel of my job, you know.

[ Moriarty is theirs, as much he doesn't want it to be true. And yes, he does blame himself at least in part for what has happened. It's bad enough losing Sherlock - he's not going to stomach letting anyone else run into this without warning them off. ]

It'll bring me peace of mind. Leave this one to the Sherlocks.

[ The two of them. ]

[He wants so dearly to ignore Watson's wishes. He wants his next question to be whether he has any leads, or maybe demanding to know exactly what it is that Watson is afraid of, because it must be someone and someone concrete. He wants -

But he isn't Sherlock Holmes. He's a lawyer. He was trained to be a lawyer, not a detective. And as much as he wants to throw himself into the role of detective, that which is closest to what he knows that he can actually do on this ship...It's not his job.

But what if the Sherlocks aren't enough? What if they can't find who did it? Can he honestly in good conscience stand by? What if he found something they wouldn't find - ]

Very well.

[He clenches his jaw.]

But a query in return. If you were worried for my safety, does that mean that yours is at risk?

[ Yes. Absolutely. Every day that Moriarty lives is a dangerous one. And Edgeworth can't see the quirk of a bitter smile. ]

Don't worry. No matter what, your friend is going to get the best treatment Tranquility's greatest minds can fathom.

[And nor can Watson see Edgeworth's forbidding frown.]

You didn't answer my question.

Will you take back your promise if I don't?

[Yes is on the tip of his tongue. But, instead:]

No. One's word is one's word.

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theblogger - 2012-08-19 05:43 (UTC) - Expand