Audio

[whattheytellyou]

[Hoarsely:]Two weeks. I can think of other things I'd rather be doing with two weeks' vacation time - but I'm not going to complain. How many people can say they sympathize with Rip Van Winkle, if only on a smaller scale

Comments

private

[whattheytellyou]

[Long silence, then:]

I'm listening.

Private

[whattheytellyou]

[And yet another long pause.]

Neil, I don't have all the details, but I know you were a victim - and that in itself excuses you, I guess.

As for your decisions, well. I fell for it, and that's my own fault. I should have been paying attention to your personality and the situation. I know better.

So...we're square. You don't owe me anything.

Private

[whattheytellyou]

I need time to -

[Pause.]

I -

[Pause.]

Damn it, I really could use a drink.

Private

[whattheytellyou]

Let me deal with Amanda and I'll come over. How's that?

Private

[whattheytellyou]

Oh, good. I could use those.

I want to put her back to work.

Private

[whattheytellyou]

Maintenance. She's got the know-how, she agrees to be searched going on and off her shifts. I might be tempting fate a bit, but I think with the right precautions it could be good for her.

Private

[whattheytellyou]

That was my plan. If there isn't one, I'll volunteer.

This is all long-term planning, mind you. We need to get to know one another before I start trusting her to do anything other than putter around in her room and write hate-mail to Hoffman.

Private

[whattheytellyou]

I'm terrible at fixing things without the instructions, but someone really should be making sure it gets done, regardless of whether Amanda's on the crew or not.

I have no doubt she'll keep me on my toes.