Case 53//Harry Dresden//video-backdated to around midnight

[harry_b_dresden]

[The feed begins accidentally, bumped by the snuffling wet nose of the usual culprit combing Harry's floor for stray food. Harry's feet are in the frame, one of them swinging in time to a nice baritone rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Harry pauses at the end of the song, getting up to walk a little tipsily over to the door, and peer out into the suite]

Comments

Voice;

[denyamenti]

One year is no different than another.

Re: Voice;

[harry_b_dresden]

That's not true. This year's been really different from last year. Last year I was at home, doing my job, and since then I've died three times, met a nice girl, gained a daughter, and lost a lot of friends.

This year I think we're going to break out. So that'll be different too.

Re: Voice;

[denyamenti]

[ he scoffs a bit, but it's lacking his usual cynicism ]

I see you're looking to fill people's heads with empty promises at the earliest opportunity.

Re: Voice;

[harry_b_dresden]

I'm not promising anything, and I'm not filling anybody with anything.

I'm just wishing them a happy new year and saying what I hope will happen this year.

That includes you too, you know, mister grumpy. [Yeah, he's a bit drunk.]

[white_beret]

Happy new year to you too! How long have you been here now?

[Because he's sure ought to recognise someone who's been here more than a few months...]

[harry_b_dresden]

Bit more than a year now, I've been...I'm....

[He bites his lip a bit, looking hard at the screen]

Could you... could you say "lenalee" in a distressed voice? I think....

[white_beret]

Why do you want to hear my sister's name?! Don't think your robot-killing aura means you can get away with anything!

[harry_b_dresden]

Komui! [Harry nods] I don't know why, but I didn't recognize you there...your face just seemed...

Wait, why did you ask how long I've been here? Is this the experiment for the week, what the hell is going on?

[harry_b_dresden]

Is not. [Harry's wobbling just a tiny bit, trying to keep her focused]

You take that back, you....you....

[Her name was on the tip of his tongue....her face just didn't fit.... Who was that?]

[batmansphoenix]

Gonna share that wine?

[harry_b_dresden]

Well I sure can't drink it all myself. [He chuckles]

You, uh.. there's something going on this week, I'm having trouble... have we met before?

[batmansphoenix]

Nah, I'm kinda shy so I'm picky 'bout meeting new people. Pleasure.

[pathetically hackable]

[slug_sannin]

. . . Harry?

Re: [pathetically hackable]

[harry_b_dresden]

Yeah.. [there's a moment of confusion as he squints at the screen]

It's me. I think the experiment this week is screwing with us, I almost didn't recognize Komui earlier...

So please don't take this the wrong way but... it's on the tip of my tongue here...

Re: [pathetically hackable]

[slug_sannin]

I'm Tsunade. This is really weird. I'm having an easier time with identifying Hazard . . .

Maybe it's better in person? I'll be right over.

Re: [pathetically hackable]

[harry_b_dresden]

Right. Right, Tsunade....

This could get bad.

[Harry gets up immediately, and writes a note.

"Tsunade is coming over." Just in case it's memory they're fucking with. He waits, nervously petting Hazard]