Dr. William Parry

[Filter - Private]
I keep telling myself that Lyra's just busy, that she's got a lot of work to do now that she's back to her normal self, that this is the reason I hardly see her any more. I want to believe that with all my heart. I do. And some reasonable part of me does believe it. Then, there's this strange, feral instinct I tend to develop whenever someone even mentions her name. It consumes all my reasonable thoughts and injects them with doubt, a terrible five-letter word that I detest and never thought I'd ever have to suffer through. Lyra has never given me reason to doubt her. And yet, I fear she is far more attractive than she gives herself credit for. She's bound to find someone more attractive than me, someone stronger and more fit. She'll realize what a load of rubbish she's actually got in me and then she'll move on, as she probably should. Sometimes I feel as if I hold her back. She's a free-spirit. She has no business being tied down to someone like me, a grounded, dull soul. No offense, Kirjava.

Or perhaps I just need to get more sleep.

[Filter - All Personnel]
Should anyone still be feeling the effects of whatever the hell the sudden aging process, please feel free to drop by Medical for a check up. I'm sure Miss Carter, Miss Hatter and myself would be happy to assist you how ever we can. We are rather busy, but don't let that dissuade you from coming down anyway not that any of you would be caught dead here... or well, maybe you'll wait until you're dead. Thank you.

[Filter - Lee Scoresby]
Sorry to bother you, sir, but have you heard from Lyra lately or even worse her mother Mrs. Coulter even? I presume she's just got quite a bit of work on her hands.

Nobody panic.

[Private - Lyra can read]
This is bloody nutters. Even Kirjava grew.

I sincerely hope they don't start thinking about cloning now. Though to be perfectly honest, I'll believe just about anything these days.

[Filtered: Lyra Belacqua]
Did you enjoy your party? I'm sorry I haven't been able to see you or even talk to you. It's been bloody mad down at Medical. I promise I'll make it up to you though if you'll allow me. I hope you've been all right though. How are things with your mother now? And Kirjava wants me to ask you to say hi to Pan for her. She really misses him, though she'll be very upset if she finds out I told you that. Which, she'll likely find out any way from Pan, I'm sure.

Anyway, I've got to get back. Knee surgery in an hour. I do wish people would stop getting themselves hurt so much. This is possibly the most complicated knee surgery I've ever had to perform. It's a bloody mess (no pun intended). It's just literally all over the place, and while I know that the doctor-patient confidentiality forbids me from discussing any of this with you, I just.... I find that I need someone to talk to nowadays, whereas I've never before needed such a person. What have you done to me, you crazy girl?

And I swear if I catch you up on the roof, I will tie you up and force you to watch me perform brain surgery or something. Take care of yourself for the love of God.
[/Private]

I found a charming little place just a little ways down from here. They sell the most magnificent Turkish Delights. I just had to purchase a small bundle. I've left some in the kitchens if anyone is interested.

And do please be more careful when going off on your missions. I can't remember the last time I pulled so many shifts like this. I'm bloody exhausted.

[Filtered: All Personnel]
You have no bloody idea how happy I am to get off that godforsaken orchard. I swear to God if I ever see another bloody apple again in my life it'll be too soon. Oddly enough coming from a doctor, right? You'd think of the usual saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Not in this case, folks. This was quite the opposite. Those poor people... Their skin reminded me of a documentary I watched while doing my studies once. I had to take a Geology course once, and this one class was devoted to volcanoes. I swear those people's skins looked like molten lava from a Hawaiian volcano. I've never seen anything like it. Good thing I've still got some good contacts back in the UK. I had to phone some people to send me special supplies.

Bloody hell. Thankfully, it's over.

I would like to thank you, Ms. Sherman, for your help. I think I probably would have gone insane had I gone alone. And unlike everyone else who goes away and brings back food, I didn't bring back any apples for all of you. Didn't think you'd like me very much afterward.
[/Filtered: All Personnel]

[Filtered: Lyra Belacqua]
DId you manage to stay out of trouble while I was gone?
[/Filtered: Lyra Belacqua]

[Filtered: Private]
What in the bloody hell am I thinking? Going to the North? To get myself and Lyra killed? Is this me being selfish again? Is that what it is? What am I planning on finding there? A clue? A rotting old bone? A cracked skull that oddly enough reminds me of my father? Am I being rash, stupid, too-quick-to-act? What in the hell is wrong with me? Is it Lyra's fault? Did she jumpstart this madness inside of me?

So many questions. I can barely work with all this nonsense clouding my judgment. I almost gave someone the wrong medicine. Good thing Kirjava nudged me about it, and I was able to distract the patient while I changed it. Bullocks, I really am losing it, aren't I? I figured this would happen after mum died, but no, it has to happen now, when I meet a fit girl and she blows me away. You're a wreck, Parry. A bloody wreck.
[/Filtered: Private]

[Filtered: All Personnel]
Please be informed that during these times of trial, the medic rooms will be a lot busier than usual. Keep this in mind when rushing over to us for the following ailments: a papercut, a bruise, spilled coffee (anywhere other than on your body or someone else's body), wanting immediate diet pills because your pants are suddenly too small.

Thank you for your cooperation.
[/Filtered: All Personnel]

[Filter: Lyra and Lee]
Do either of you know Maya Fey? Apparently, she's doing my eval, and (if I'm understanding this correctly) I'm doing hers. I don't like this. I don't like people. Had it been either of you, I'd have been fine. Meeting and interacting with new people is not my forte.

By the way, Lyra, I never got to thank you for inviting me over. Please extend my gratitude to your mother as well. And as expected, she scared me. How's Jamie doing?
[/Filter: Lyra and Lee]

[Filter: Maya Fey]
Hello there. I don't believe we've met before, though I see we've been paired up for the evals. If you'd like, we could meet up at your earliest convenience to discuss how we're going to do this, though of course, there's still plenty of time. So, no rush.
[/Filter: Maya Fey]

[Filter: Capa]
Good luck on your eval, mate. I'm sure you'll do swell.
[/Filter: Capa]

[Filtered - Lyra Belacqua]
Reevaluation and Reassessment.

What in the blazes is that supposed to mean? Have you heard more on that? You're the only one I trust and care about right now. Honestly, I actually take offense to this. Is he suggesting we don't do our work properly? I don't think he has much of a right to say such things. He hasn't very well assessed the organization as thoroughly as he should in order to come to such conclusions. I feel as if I'm being tested, and I do believe my days of testing are long over. While I understand the need to keep up to date on the latest in medical technology, I feel as if my years of hard work are being overlooked. And what do you suppose will happen to those, like you, who've only just completed their initial probation?

This is all ridiculous, Lyra. Be careful. Cross your T's and dot your I's. I don't like this one bit.

How are you, by the way?
[/Filter]

Anyone know of a decent recipe with bok choy? My landlady apparently purchased more bok choy than she had room to keep them in and has generously donated some to my apartment. I'll have bok choy coming out of my ears in no time.

[Filtered to All Personnel]
I'm taking appointments if anyone would like one. I'm available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. I'll make exceptions for emergencies, however, which should be seen to immediately of course. I'll also be available periodically to answer general questions, though be aware that I may not get to every single question. It's nothing personal, but work does tend to take precedence over casual questions. It may be that you would need to set up an appointment with me should your question prove complex. Be aware of this as well.

That is all.
[/Personnel]

[Private]
And here I go wondering how many will actually take me up on my offer. I swear they best not think me a shrink. I'm a surgeon not a therapist. I had at least eight more semesters than they did. Some times, I can't stand the talk. Some times, it feels so petty. Some times. Am I that disconnected with the world that minor things are beginning to irritate me?

I really wish she wouldn't look at me like that. The last thing I need is a guilty conscience. Come now, Kirjava. Won't you run along and play?

I suppose I never knew how.
[/Private]