(no subject)

[51stcentury]

Hey, kids. Geez, I have to run off to a meeting in London with the UNIT heads, and suddenly all hell breaks loose here. I've been warned about these virus things, but I've yet to actually experience one. Should I consider myself lucky? From what I've heard, they're to be avoided at all costs. What did this last one entail? I've heard it was something about love, but that's all I've gotten.

...alright. I have a question for you guys, and it's not exactly the happiest of topics. Have any of you ever lost any family members or teammates or friends or really just anyone that's close to you? How did you deal with it? I have a friend that's having a harder time with coping with a loss than I knew at first, and I'm really not sure what to do about it. This friend has been through a lot, you know? I just really want to do something to help. This really isn't my field of expertise, though. I'm much more of a "grin and bear it" kinda guy, right? I'm not sure how I can help out, but this person means a lot to me, so I'm open to suggestions.

Comments

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you'll experience a virus yourself somewhere along the line.

[51stcentury]

I'm sure I will. From what I've heard, they're all too unavoidable. I've yet to really get a grip on what exactly they are, though. I don't suppose you could inform me of the specifics, could you, Princess?

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

The specifics really depend on the individual viruses. You were correct about the nature of this latest one, by the way.

[originaldragoon.livejournal.com]

Eventually, everyone gets affected by these blasted viruses. This past one made several members fall in love.

As for your question, I have lost many comrades, friends, and family over time. After a while, I have learned just to move on by doing something to distract me from my grief. But if you want to help your friend, just be there for him, and listen if he wishes to talk.

[51stcentury]

Ah, how fitting, with Valentine's Day and everything.

That's what I've been trying to do, but he's not really the talking type. Actually, he doesn't really share much of anything at all--I just happened to stumble on his thoughts while holding a psychic device. Word to the wise, don't keep anything of the type around unless you're prepared to deal with what you find out. I learned that the hard way.

[godisagirl.livejournal.com]

You have to help them, it's really important.

[51stcentury]

I'm trying, he's just not a very open person. The only reason I know anything's up is because I was handling a psychic device that let me accidentally get a peek at his thoughts while he was stopping by the office to give me a cup of coffee. He doesn't even know that I know anything. This whole situation's just confusing as hell.

If you've got any suggestions, like I said, I'm open. Ianto tends to bottle these things up and not share them with anyone--not even me.

[wannabesanta.livejournal.com]

Jack! You just missed gettin' love stuck. Good for you!

As far as your question goes. I are not sure. Never happen' before.


Have you been, elsewise?

[51stcentury]

So I've been told. 'S just as well--I have someone here who wouldn't be too happy if I suddenly professed my love for some random stranger. I'd hate to have to explain that.

Elsewise, I've been alright. Had to go to London for a meeting with people I hate, and left my two team members to deal with whatever happened while I was gone. Luckily the world didn't end, so I guess everything turned out for the best, right?

How've you been, Jack? You manage to escape this latest virus?

[nobaybreezes.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty new, so I'm afraid I can't help you in terms of the viruses, and while my grandmother died just a few months ago, it wasn't particularly difficult to cope with - she was 91 - so I'm not sure how much help I'd be on that note either.

[51stcentury]

Well, thanks love, it's the thought that counts.

I'm Captain Jack Harkness--I don't believe we've met.

[visestvita.livejournal.com]

I do wish I could help but I'm another of those 'grin and bear it' guys. Gets easier every time.

[51stcentury]

Well, I wouldn't say that it gets any easier for me, but I've gotten used to it. It won't get any harder, though, I don't think. I work on a dangerous job--we all know that it's bound to happen. Death around every corner and all that.

[effulgentxx.livejournal.com]

You got fifty years, mate? I've got a list a mile long, some of it my fault. Fancy that.

[51stcentury]

For you? I've got all the time in the world. And a list that would probably rival yours, I'm sure.

[re-formed.livejournal.com]

...

You go on in the way you think they'd want you to.

[51stcentury]

I'm sure that's what he's doing. I'm just not sure that it's really comforting him in the long run, you know? He's kind of the dwelling on bad things type.

[therealhades.livejournal.com]

You could say I've hard the experience.

[51stcentury]

As have I. I just really don't know what I can say to him that will make him feel any better about the situation. I didn't even know it was bothering him as much as it was until a few days ago, when I kind of accidentally stumbled upon his thoughts, if you will.

[cost-benefit.livejournal.com]

Do they have something productive to do? Something that can eat up a lot of time?

[51stcentury]

Well, I guess you could say he's the equivalent of the office teaboy, or the janitor, and the archivist--all three rolled up into into one. Plus he mans the tourist station single-handedly. So he's always got something that needs to be done.

[oncomin-storm.livejournal.com]

I've lost a person or two, over the years. Give or take.

[51stcentury]

Doctor, you might be the one who understands my situation the most. Have you ever had to comfort someone else who's lost a loved one, or have you always just been the one left behind?

[Locked]
Tell me Doctor, I have to know. Was I ever one of the ones that you lost? Did you regret losing me at all? I know that I'm "wrong," but still...

[heavenly-home.livejournal.com]

Yes, I have, and I try to think of who she would want me to be. Happy, of course, and I do try my best.

Is your friend doing all right?

[51stcentury]

He's functioning in his job, which is more than most would be able to do considering the situation. Actually, yeah. He's doing pretty well, all things considered. He's just having a hard time when he's not on duty or busy with as many projects as he can find.

I don't believe we've met. I'm Captain Jack Harkness. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?