042 - Rhubarb

[deadly_ned]

[Sitting in his self-made pillow fort is the Piemaker, with a hand on his dog, Digby, and a rucksack over one shoulder. His room behind him is made up and neat]

I ought to have done this...maybe four or five months ago but change was never something I was particularly attuned to. Change and me were on different wavelengths.

I graduated two inmates and I'm...heading home. To Chuck.

And I just wanted to, to, um...


Thank you. Everyone, all of you. For..making the changing easier and for letting me stay as long as I have and for making this place harder and harder to leave.

It's hard to leave. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done even though I know it's time. Past time. That...probably says more about my time spent here than anything else I could say.

...Yeah. I know I'm stalling now, so I'll just...

Thank you. For the memories.

[Private to Bleu]

I'm sorry I wasn't so much here for you as I should have been. Is there anything I can do for you? Before I go.

[Private to Hannibal]

I'll be checking in, periodically. When I can. Your graduation was the one I wanted to see most.

[Private to Abigail]

I left the rest of the records in a box by your door. I'm hoping that wasn't too forward.

[Private to Esther]

You're better than you give yourself credit for. I really...really do hope you find your way.

[Private to Dean]

Dean, I...

I know you don't really know who I am. You don't owe me anything. At all.

But if I could just...see you. To say goodbye. It would mean everything.

Comments

[routemistress]

Oh, Ned. You need to be back 'ome. But I don't like thinking of a barge without you on it.

Can we drive you 'ome?

[deadly_ned]

I think the Admiral's trying to tell me something when he didn't pair me up. It's time. Past time.

I'd. Like it if you did.

[routemistress]

I think 'e's just trying to tell you we've got more wardens than inmates right now. Bugger the Admiral; you'll never be redundant 'ere, Ned but you're just as needed at 'ome and you know it.

[Iris doesn't believe in destiny, and Cain hasn't been paired yet either, which is her real objection to this idea.]

Come to mine, she's not that keen on doing little jumps up on deck lately.

[deadly_ned]

I do feel a little redundant. It's probably him telling me he doesn't need me.

But I miss Chuck. I miss her badly, and I was going to stay around for Dean and for Arthas but I'm not helping. Not really.

Okay. Digby and me are on our way.

[routemistress]

You're entitled to be where you want to be. You can leave the field with honour. You can come back if you want to later, or not. You don't 'ave to make excuses for anything, Ned love, because you've been fantastic and you've also been put through some real shite.

It's been fantastic knowing you. And this isn't goodbye 'cause I'll be showing up for pie every now and again. At least as long as you keep that peach one on the menu.

[deadly_ned]

You make it sound as if there are going to be medals.

It was fantastic knowing you too, Iris. And I'll keep peach year-round. Possibly naming the special after you.

Tickled-Peach-Iris.

[routemistress]

[This delights her more than she can express in words. Also, she's totally going to make him a medal; she may have to sneak herself back in time to finish making it before he leaves, but she doesn't care.]

Served with brandy cream?

[deadly_ned]

Exactly what sort of establishment do you think I'm running?