Try to understand, Adric.

TO: Torchwood Three
FROM: Adric
SUBJECT: Yes. I'm alive.

Almost fell over getting to the computer, but other than a bit of shakiness and a rather persistent headache, apparently his name is Ezra, I'm just fine. I probably won't be back into work tomorrow like I'm supposed to be, though. I'm having a bit of trouble getting around right now so until the rubber legs wear off, and my foot stops throbbing every time I put pressure on it, I'll have to stay home.

So. How was everyone else's holiday?

TO: Jack Harkness
FROM: Adric
SUBJECT: TW1 Computer Systems.

Operational. Seamus said he can iron out any bugs that he might come across.

So I'll be heading back to Cardiff on the first train Wednesday morning.

---

TO: Alice Keyes
FROM: Adric
SUBJECT: London.

I'm finished everything that I have to with the computer systems at TW1, so I'll be heading back to Cardiff tomorrow [Wednesday]. I bet Seamus wouldn't mind having you to himself for a few days. I'll see you whenever you get back?

Adric jumped when his mobile went off. Blinking in surprise at the message that sprung up on the screen, Adric was suddenly torn. All staff report to the Hub? By the time that he got there, whatever had happened would probably already be cleared up. This things were false alarms half the time so there was probably not reason for him to try and run and grab a train back to Cardiff right now. Then, again, what if it really was an emergency? What if this was another Master type situation, and they needed all the help they could get?

Setting his mobile down on the table next to him, Adric debated what would be the best course of action. In the end, he decided that he'd wait an hour. If they lockdown wasn't canceled, then he'd go and catch a train. Seamus could handle this if need be.

To: Jack Harkness
From: Adric
Subject: Remote Access

Harkness, Jack
H-J5159

See if you can get in to the system.

To: Alice
From: Adric
Subject: I have a feeling...

that whatever compromise the other Harper and I have come to isn't going to last long. Did you know that he insists on blaring punk rock music while he's working? I don't know how he can get anything done like that. I know it's ruining my concentration.

Despite Alice's reassurances that he and Seamus would get along, Adric was finding him utterly frustrating. Sure, he might have been a 'genius', but he didn't seem to have any concept of practicality. He kept insisting on complicating the interface, integrating things that weren't necessary or even plausible. They had gotten along initially, yes. They had even been nice to each other, but the second they had started working, the conflicts had increased and increased until they had finally taken up separate positions in the room to work on different elements of the system. Adric was setting up the bare bones and tweaking the interface and networking. Seamus was working on...something or other. Adric didn't really care what he was doing because, to be quite honest, he intended on changing it all back to what he thought was appropriate the second that he got the chance.

Ingenuity was fine, but when other people were going to be using it as well, it had to be manageable for everyone. This Seamus character didn't understand that or even seem to want to.

To: Alice Keyes
From: Adric
Subject: London.

Seamus and I are being sent out to London on Monday. Hard to say how long we'll be out there. As soon as I have some idea, I'll tell you, all right? Remember that you promised to come visit.

To: The Doctor (Ten)
From: Adric
Subject: News.

Ianto wants to talk to you when you have time to stop by the centre next.

To: Ianto, Tosh
From: Adric
Subject: I'm sorry.

The things that I said to them, I didn't mean any of it.

Whether he'd completely destroyed what trust Tosh and Ianto had in him or not, he wasn't certain. He'd definitely said enough things within their earshot for them to never trust him again. But he hadn't been making any ground way with the others. The Master knew his tricks. That was definitely handicapping him sufficiently. The Master knew his ways just as well as Adric knew his, probably better. The Master had most likely told his darling wife to watch out for him, too. The Master had told her he was clever, after all. Adric doubted that he would have said something like that while leaving out the cautioning. Whether the Master decided to let his minion in on things or not was questionable, but since that fellow seemed to be avoiding the cells as it was, he didn't figure there would be much hope of talking him into circles. Either way, it was growing sickeningly apparent that there was only a slim chance he'd be able to talk his way out of this. And if he did, he probably would only be able to save himself.

And that defeated the whole point.

To: Ianto
From: Adric
Subject: Is this how this works?

Am I going to end up as paranoid as everyone here? As likely to jump to the worst possible conclusion despite a lack of evidence? As quick to condemn? To toss aside anyone or anything that can be deemed a liability despite its value?

Am I going to end up as alone?

I've been alone before. I don't want to be again.

Maybe I'm better off with the Doctor.

To: Ianto
From: Adric
Subject: Is this how this works?

Am I going to end up as paranoid as everyone here? As likely to jump to the worst possible conclusion despite a lack of evidence? As quick to condemn? To toss aside anyone or anything that can be deemed a liability despite its value?

Am I going to end up as alone?

I've been alone before. I don't want to be again.

Maybe I'm better off with the Doctor.

To: Alice
From: Adric
Subject: What happened?

Are you all right?

To: Alice
From: Adric
Subject: What happened?

Are you all right?

Things I Currently Know (Part II)

Members of Staff
   Gwen Cooper - on leave
   Jack Harkness - coming unhinged
   Owen Harper
   Ianto Jones - missing
   Martha Jones
   Alice Keyes - conditional?
   Toshiko Sato - only reliable one here right now
   Harry Sullivan - temporary?
   Rose Tyler - absolutely useless

Current Location
   The 7th Circle of Hell? Maybe. Seems like it.

Observations
   Everyone is absolutely losing it.

Conclusion
   If things get any worse...