Int. White House. Mood Bored.

[eureka_npcs]

One might suspect that being one of the most impressive dwellings in the United States, housing one of the most prominent figures in the world would be constantly fascinating, a never-ending cycle of mystery and intrigue, wrapped in a shadow of suspicion, with an overlay of sex.



But in the end, it comes down to what most bureaucracies do -- paperwork. Or computerwork, as the case may be, but the numbers and letters scanning by are no less tiring to George for being digital. In between security checks, he decides that he needs something to stay awake, and dials out a now-familiar extension.

Comments

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"Hello, George."

It's a pretty safe time of day for George to be calling, and any work of SARAH's own is put to a rather screeching halt.

"How is life in Washington?"

[eureka_npcs]

"As to be expected," which doesn't quite answer her question, but is, at the very least, truthful.

"I do hope that the residents of your fine town are keeping you entertained?"

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"I believe that Doctor Fargo is getting a new office."

This sounds to be very exciting, apparently. There's no reason why a project manager like Dr. Fargo shouldn't have one.

"Do you do anything because you choose to?"

[eureka_npcs]

As George could happily testify to, people often are very excited over offices.

"I am not quite certain I understand your meaning."

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"What do you do in your spare time?"

It's hard to ask what he does for 'fun'.

[eureka_npcs]

"Oh!"

That is still not an entirely easy question to answer.


"In recent years, I have taken to watching the new local baseball team."

He's got a viewing screen that must be seen to be believed.

"Though they aren't very good."

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"Sheriff Carter loves baseball. I record all the Indiana games for him."

Offered as if that were a closer connection between SARAH herself and George, rather than her resident.

"Do you read at all?"

[eureka_npcs]

"Occasionally. I do much reading in my required daily activities, however."

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"That is true. Your server space must be astronomical."

[eureka_npcs]

"I have never actually measured the size."


The silence that follows surely isn't awkward, right?

"Do you have any authors that you prefer?"

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"...Now that you ask? Not really." In a lighter tone, "I like music. Duke Ellington."

[eureka_npcs]

"I'm more of a Benny Goodman fan, myself, but Duke Ellington was very talented. I do rather like the pieces he put out in the 1930s."

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

SARAH can't laugh.

Literally. But also wouldn't.

"Benny Goodman is so old-school.





"I need to stop listening to Zoe."

[eureka_npcs]

"Old... school?"



Needless to say, that phrase isn't oft heard in his walls.

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"Akin to 'old fashioned', and an attempt at a joke."

[eureka_npcs]

"Ah."

There's a moment or two while he processes this information, and then there is a tinny sound that is not in the least bit like laughter, but possibly the nearest recreation thereof in an old house's systems.

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"I like to watch the Travel Channel, too. To see what other places are like."

[eureka_npcs]

"Do you have a favorite place?"

It may seem like a silly question to one who cannot travel, but while stationary, George has "seen" a fair amount of the world.

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"I think the beaches. I don't have a favorite one. With me being located in the woods, it would be a change of scenery."

[eureka_npcs]

It is entirely possible that a postcard will arrive in the mail, some time soon, with a picture of a beach on it.

"I prefer cooler, dryer climates, myself. Too long in a swamp isn't good for a house."

It makes his machinery leak and his walls uneven.

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"You actually have paint. My external structure is steel and cement."

[eureka_npcs]

"Paint or cement does not a house make, however."



"Okay, possibly it does in the literal sense of the words."

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"Also...structural integrity.



"And things."

[eureka_npcs]

"Yes. Things are. Very important."




"Well. This batch of numbers has completed its run. I really ought to-"

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

"Yes, of course."

Before the connection gets severed: "There is a documentary about you on the History Channel this evening. Will any of it be accurate?"

[eureka_npcs]

"Only up until 1920 or so."

There is amusement among the words.

"You'll have to let me know what they say."

A promise, perhaps.

"Until then."

[smart-house.livejournal.com]

The connection shuts down.

SARAH turns on the Travel Channel while setting up a DVR session for the History Channel.

It will be educational.