Tire(less) - OTA

[english_dignity]

Who: Arthur and you
Broadcast: N/A
Action: Aboard the space station
When: Monday

[If there was one thing that could be said for a nation's powers, it was that they could keep going for a long, long time. But even that had limits, and after no sleep since the start of the evacuations, Arthur was edging that way. But he didn't have time to stop either. So many people to help...

If he was pale with deep shadows under his eyes and wobbled a little from time to time, who cared. Just meant he matched most of the refugees he was running supplies to. Cups of bracingly hot tea and sandwiches, at the moment. One foot after the other, Arthur. He could sleep later.

Much later.

Just don't mind the occasional sparks of magic as he uses it to keep himself going.]

Comments

[edwinjarvis]

[Actually, Mr. Kirkland, about that 'sleep later'...

Jarvis has been helping, keeping an eye on both the civilians and his fellow fleeters. So when he sees the man still hasn't given himself some rest, he approaches, carefully touching a hand to Arthur's elbow.]

Have you been given anything to eat? You should rest, yourself.

[Jarvis is weary, but not quite so worn down. He knows it'll do no good if he collapses.

Some sleep is better than none.]

[english_dignity]

[Arthur jerked slightly at this price touch before relaxing when he saw who it was. He sighed, giving Jarvis a tired but stubborn smile.]

You don't need to worry about me, lad. I've run longer than this on less.

[edwinjarvis]

[He gives a sassy huff -- just because you're a country doesn't mean you're exempt from it.]

I've heard a fair number of heroes say similar things.

And to you I say the time -- just because you can doesn't mean you should.

[english_dignity]

[Arthur huffed right back at him, tightening his hands on the carrier he held.]

It's just practical. I can go longer than humans can.

[edwinjarvis]

A bit doubtful -- especially since I've been observing your slow-burning fatigue.

[He's not about to back down from the honest truth.]

You're trying to do too much on your own, Mr. Kirkland. It'll make you ill, and then you'll be of no help to anyone, including yourself.

[english_dignity]

[He opened his mouth to protest before a yawn overrode it, leaving behind the tingle of high exhaustion in my brain.]

Perhaps I could afford a short nap. If it keeps you from scolding me like Howard.

[He paused before clarifying.]

My secretary.

[edwinjarvis]

[......... A bizarro world where Howard is the worker bee. Fascinating.

(Kidding, kidding.)]

As a fellow employee for someone stingy about their sleep, I would indeed do your Howard a favor and scold on their behalf.

[english_dignity]

[Ha. No, this one is from Scotland. At least, his grandfather was.

Arthur grumbled softly with something that sounded suspiciously like 'yes mother.']

I really should finish up this lot first though. Don't want the tea getting cold.

[edwinjarvis]

True enough. Then in that case -- allow me to assist you, so you can rest sooner?

[Four hands are better than two, right.]

[english_dignity]

[That, at least, was an uncomplicated suggestion. Arthur nodded his head, carefully opening up the carrier to remove some of the containers.]

You have a deal.