Doctor's Log One

[nevercomplain]

Most curious. I found this book amongst my medical reports one morning. I thought nothing of it for the first few days of it being in my charge, assuming it was an empty journal I had just misplaced. I thought about using it to write more on our adventures in New York City, since I'm running out of space in the one I'm currently using, but decided

Comments

[zealouspeter]

An appointment for what, sir?

[nevercomplain]

A check-up, a consultation on an ache, etc. I assure you, English doctors are the best doctors.

[zealouspeter]

I would hope all doctors would be the same.

You room with a detective?

[nevercomplain]

The most eccentric, I can tell you that. A Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Why? Has he been causing trouble in the city?

[zealouspeter]

Not that I know of, sir. But he has been writing into these for a while.

Tell me, does the back cover have your name engraved?

[nevercomplain]

[John ceases his writing to inspect the book further. His first name does appear on the front cover, but the back cover perturbs him the most.]

On the front, yes, but a very strange engraving is on the back... This is certainly a step in the right direction. I don't believe I got your name.

[zealouspeter]

I'm Ray. I don't believe you've shared yours, either.

[nevercomplain]

John Watson. A pleasure to meet you, Ray.

[zealouspeter]

Likewise. Have you just arrived in New York, Doctor?

[nevercomplain]

Why, yes. It's all strange, though. I woke up on a chartered ship to America and that's...all I remember.

[zealouspeter]

[pause.]

All? Truly? Don't you recall England, or your earlier practices as a doctor?

[nevercomplain]

I do remember serving my country during the Great War and getting injured.

[Again, this troubles Watson, but he pushes it away]

And I do remember Holmes. Other than that, nothing. I'm a bit worried, from a doctor's point of view.

[zealouspeter]

Not even your professors at wherever you learned your trade?

[pause. now this sounds familiar.]

What of your parents?

[nevercomplain]

Don't be ridiculous, I went to--

[Watson is drawing a blank. Where did he go to medical school? He swallows, paling, slightly. He couldn't even remember his parents.]

Right. It's probably exhaustion. I should turn in for the night. Thank you for your help, Ray.

[zealouspeter]

It won't disappear in the morning light. [pause.] I hope you rest well, doctor.

[madam_ripper]

Hear hear my fellow countryman.