I've probably said this before, but the thing I like about E.R. is I can tune in once or twice a season and pick up who everyone is and what they want enough to enjoy the show, even though I only recognize four actors right now. It's strangely comforting that way.

It's funny, if you've seen bats crawl around on the walls, it doesn't seem so surprising that they can run. And yet....it is! And a really hysterical image. As is

"just smack their wings against the ground and freak out"

Where is this scene taking place? Could there be a handy andiron or objet d'art?

Last night I thought it was going to be outside, but I've moved it inside now. I had to come up with a scenario where R could isolate A despite the fact she's predisposed to be wary of him, and then figure out a good reason for J to know to come to the rescue.

Susan -- don't know if you still need answers, but don't discount hitting with the pistol. It's generally a bad idea to assume a gun you've taken from soneone is useful as a "hot" weapon -- but it'll always be good as a cold one. Don't trust other people's weapons -- does he know enough about guns to think that?

J definitely knows his guns, so that might be my best option. And there's a certain poetry to it, IMO.

But unconsciousness (as noted) is unpredictable like that. How long do you need him out? If it's not too long, a carotid choke (that pinches the arteries supplying blood to the brain) is a good choice, since it's pretty much guaranteed.

Long enough for J and A to 1) realize that once R wakes up J is a dead man, since R has the power to have him summarily executed, and that R would almost certainly continue his assaults upon A; 2) quickly make an escape plan; and 3) bind and gag R so that he won't be able to sound the alarm the very instant he wakes up.

If they do a thorough enough job at 3), R doesn't need to stay out long, because it's around midnight and no one is expecting to see him until morning.

Hello all.

Most people are out today, right? I popped into the office for a few hours. Then I will be back to contemplating the sacrifice my lord made for me.

I cannot believe that when I told people I would work today, that they thought I meant a full 8 hours on a paid vacation day. crackheads, clearly. I got a call at my house at 11 asking where I was. I slept until 10:30, geez. oh well, up now and here.

Most people are out today, right?

Nope.

I want to see film of the running bats.

We need to get this for Jilli at the very least.

I'm working.

Long enough for J and A to 1) realize that once R wakes up J is a dead man, since R has the power to have him summarily executed, and that R would almost certainly continue his assaults upon A; 2) quickly make an escape plan; and 3) bind and gag R so that he won't be able to sound the alarm the very instant he wakes up.

One of my fellow junior instructors got almost choked out last Sunday. Not enough to lose consciousness (he wanted to know how quickly the choke came on, so he could tell when was too late). He wasn't up to doing anything much for at least a couple minutes. He dropped to his knees after a few seconds of careful carotid choking. Unconsciousness would be brief, though -- 10-20 seconds. But he'd be limp and tie-uppable for a while.

Most people are out today, right?

Sadly, greviously, tragically, no.

My office is at full bore. Not even being let go at 2pm, as is the case on Fridays before Mondays off. Clearly, a godless bunch.

Although, how many people will still be here after 2pm is another question.