Note: Happy 2013! This is a filler chapter to be quite honest but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless because I don't think it's that bad. I hope to have the next chapter up relatively soon because I have the next week off to do some writing. Once more thank you for all the lovely feedback!

Staff were required to wake up at five every morning, the moment they woke up they had about fifteen minutes to grab a cup of tea or coffee (the few who had considered that it may not be fair that staff gets caffeine while the patients do not never seemed to mention it when they were having their share of the glorious substance). After that they were off and the gong show most of them called their life began.

Kitchen staff were immediately preparing staff breakfast which was at six sharp, wards were running around setting up rooms and dealing with the general organization of the hospital, Cora, Isobel and Elsie all worked to figure out who had appointments with which doctor and when, Dr. Sybil and Dr. Carson usually met to confer about patients and Robert, well, Robert did a bit of everything and yet nothing at all but, it made all the staff feel at ease for whatever reason.

Staff breakfast, like all staff meals, were quick and to the point, they involved a little chatter (and by extension a little flirting because, apparently, Robert hired a bunch of hormonal teenagers as opposed to the twenty-somethings he thought he had). And once more they were off. Set-up continued for a little while but once seven fifteen hit it was time to wake the patients and the real fun began.

Isobel and Cora woke up the female patients, each taking two or three and going in alone. William and Thomas did the same thing with the men. The interns never tagged along for this part because, Isobel and Cora had (actually) agreed that it was best not to over-stimulate patients in the morning because, it had never garnered good results in the past.

"Good morning, Ms. O'Brien," Cora said gently rapping on the door of O'Brien's tiny room (that reminded the patient more a cell than a bedroom but she chose not to voice this concern, often). "It's time to get up now."

"Of course, Mrs. Crawley," O'Brien answered rolling out of bed. Cora had always like O'Brien, she felt if the circumstances were different they would have been quite good friends. O'Brien was always nice to her, yes she could have attitude problems at times but, hell, even Bates could have attitude problems at times. Cora never understood why O'Brien was the one who seemed to get cut the least amount of slack but she knew she couldn't really say anything without looking incredibly biased. So, instead she vowed simply not to favour anyone herself because, if nothing else, no one could say she was biased. "Give me a moment and I'll get dressed."

"Of course, O'Brien."

**
Ethel was surprised when she was sat down by Nurse Isobel in one of the spare offices after breakfast, or she was for a moment and then she realized that of course she was here to reprimanded like usual.

"Now, Ethel, I hear you've been saying rather... inappropriate things to both your fellow patients and the staff here at Downton." Isobel began. "You've been... playing matchmaker so to speak."

"I don't think me prompting those two staffers or blondie and Bates to fuck is matchmaking but if that's how you insist on phrasing it then, fine." Ethel replied examining her nails. "Really, it was more out of me being sick and tired of watching their attempts at flirting. Honestly, it's like every romance in this place has to be long and drawn out. You both like eachother, so get together, it's simple really."

Isobel mulled this over for a moment, "I understand this may be...frustrating, I really do, but the language you were using was very inappropriate. You made all other parties involved quite uncomfortable. Would you like it if say, Anna, said something of that nature to you?"

Ethel let out a harsh laugh, "Anna would never say that, that's why she and Bates are still eye-fucking instead of actually fucking."

"Ethel! We refrain from using language like that here, you know that!" Isobel scolded. "The whole reason I wanted to have this chat was because you keep using terminology like that."

"There's nothing wrong with fucking," Ethel shrugged. "As long as everything's legal and out in the open I say do it. And I say call it what it is: fucking."

"How you treat sexuality is your business however, you are to refrain from cursing while you stay here at Downton."

"Of course, Nurse Isobel, may I go now?" Ethel said without any truth to her tone. She made a move for the door.

"Just, one more thing, Ethel," Isobel gestured the girl back to her seat. "I think you are a fine young lady Ethel, and I want to help you but, if you keep using language like that and talking to the staff the way you do certain measures may have to be taken. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Nurse Isobel."

**
Gwen took her pills obediently, "Thank you."

William smiled at the easiness of the transaction, "Of course, Gwen, have a good morning."

"Thank you," Gwen muttered. "You too." Gwen had always liked William, he seemed like a sweet boy and Gwen suspected that if she wasn't so shy and she had worked at Downton rather than being a patient there they may have been friends. Because, no matter what Dr. Sybil may say, patients and staff members will never be that close.

**
Tom loved Sybil, he really did. She was kind of his perfect woman with the exception of the whole she's his doctor thing...

Tom personally thought it was bullshit that they couldn't be together, he understood that it was "immoral" to "fraternize" with patients but really nobody was going to get hurt, and Sybil was much too good a person to prolong or shorten his stay due to personal reasons. Really, if Downton simply hired another doctor or even promoted someone Tom could see them instead of Sybil and there would be no reason for complications and everybody could be happy.

Alright, well, that's a little optimistic but nonetheless it would be brilliant if that's what happened. Tom had never really been an optimist so the fact that he was so optimistic about this relationship said either: he really cared about Sybil or he was more delusional than anyone had
thought. He was really hoping for the former.

Lost in his train of thought he didn't realize that Matthew had come and sat next to him , "'Morning, Tom, how are you?"

"Good, good," Tom said. "Yourself?"

"'M fine, little bit tired, not used to the utter lack of comfort the beds here seem to offer," Matthew replied.

"Yeah, you never really get used to that," Tom said offering Matthew a reassuring knee pat.

"I was hoping that wasn't the case, I miss my bed and my nice sheets they were really, really soft," Matthew complained. Really, as far as ,missing the real world, the world outside of Downton it was more the creature comforts than it was the people. Yes, he loved his Mum and Pop but his bed was bloody brilliant. "Tom, might I ask, what's the deal with Mary? That is, what's she...like?"

"Hmm, well Mary is kind of, just a little, a complete and utter bitch," Tom answered smile on his face. "That is to say, I don't like her. At all. In fact, some might just say I hate her. I would be one of the people that say I hate her. Because, well, I hate her."

"Lovely," Matthew mused failing to hide a grin. "So, why is it you hate her anyways?"

"Look, I get she has her disorder and that causes her to have her lows and highs but, she's the one claiming we're all fucking batshit so why does she get away with it? I don't know, it's not as if she's ever actually done anything it's just that 'I'm better than you' attitude. I have bipolar too, but i never treat people the way she does," Tom explained, he certainly had not expected to give a rant on Mary today but it was a little therapeutic and given that his sessions with Sybil generally weren't about talking about patients. Though they actually did talk quite a lot, exchanging stories and discussing ambitions, he sometimes wondered if she was analyzing him while they talked but he tried to ignore that thought though, I mean he couldn't really be angry if she did, it was her job wasn't it?

"Right, she does strike me as a bit holier-than-thou at times, lots of times actually. She doesn't seem to like me much..."

"Oh, she doesn't like too many people," Tom said with the wave of his hand. "She does seem to always be nice to Anna, which is odd given how Anna can lack a certain... backbone at time, I figured she'd be a perfect target for Mary and her criticisms."

"She's an odd woman, isn't she? A little fascinating, in a way I almost want to get to know her simply to see what makes her tick."

"Good luck with that one," Tom muttered getting up. "See you at lunch."

"See you." Matthew, now alone was lost in thoughts of the brunette girl and her interesting take on the world, Tom was right when he said Mary thought she was better than everyone but, maybe, in a way, she was.

**
"One last thing before I send you off to lunch," Sybil told Mary. "How are you getting along with the new patient, Matthew? I know we've discussed your aversion toward change in the past."

"Yes, well," Mary shifted in her seat. "He's fine I suppose, if you like that sort of thing."

"What sort of thing?" Sybil asked.

"Oh, you know, the whole 'someone-just-kicked-my-puppy-so-feel-sorry-for-me' schtick, he always seems so... whiny and yet, he somehow manages to be obscenely smug." Mary explained.

"When has he actually done this? I didn't realize you two talked much," Sybil prompted.

"Oh, we don't," replied Mary with a wave of her hand. "I just get this... feeling, you know? He gives off an air of... je ne sais quoi."

"Interesting," Sybil mused. "Well, I say, you may want to get to know him before you judge him. Don't judge a book by it's cover."

"I suppose, it's just, I don't really want to put the effort in to get to know someone who I may never see once this ordeal is over."

"Well, I still think you should try."

"Maybe."

**
William gave Isis a little rub on the head as he followed Robert into his office, "I didn't realize you had a dog, sir."

"Oh, yes, Isis is a good girl, I've had her for years now, I love the old girl," Robert replied gesturing for William to sit. "So, William, before begin I want to preface the interview by saying you did nothing wrong, everyone is being interviewed and it is simply to check in."

William nodded, "You had me worried, sir, I thought I was getting fired."

'Not yet, but if Mother has it her way you very well may be.' Robert thought. "No, no nothing like that, I just wanted to see how you are."

"I'm good, I love the job," William replied with a smile.

"Good to hear, I always hope people like working for me, don't want to be the stereotypical tyrant one sees in the movies," Robert replied cracking his knuckles out of nervous habit. "And how is your relationship with your co-workers?"

"Good, everyone's quite nice, I get to work with a lot of people to which is always nice, meeting new people and all."

"Good, good, and do you feel you ever have too much work? Or even too little?"

"Not at all, sir, Thomas and I are both always busy but I know I never feel overworked," William answered trying to be as amiable as possible.

"Right, so, do you and Thomas get along well?"

"Well, I mean, we really, kind of, have to when it comes down to it," William answered. "That is, we share a lot of the same tasks so we get used to each other. But, I mean, I wouldn't exactly say we're close, sir." No, William would never say that as he and Thomas had never been, at all, fond of each other, Thomas in fact choosing to pick on William at times however, William, always the good person, didn't tell that to Robert.

"Well, I can't expect you to be, as long as you don't go getting into fist fights I suppose that's fine," Robert replied noting what William just said. Maybe he'd interview Thomas next. "What about the rest of the staff? I know you have to deal with the interns a lot but, what about people like Mrs. Hughes or the kitchen staff?"

"Everyone's mighty nice, the interns are always willing to listen, I find. Mrs. Hughes is a kind woman as is Nurse Isobel and, of course, Nurse Cora and the kitchen staff is fantastic. I find if I do have a moment to myself I enjoy spending it down in the cafeteria having a chat with Daisy, if she isn't working that is."

"Well, I suppose that's all I need, William, m'boy, thank you for chatting with me."

"Of course, sir."

**
"William?" Daisy sat down next to the blonde haired boy with a plate of lunch in her hand, the staff had yet to be served but because it was Daisy's turn to clean up the kitchen after lunch Mrs. Patmore let her eat in between staff and patient lunches. "Why, if you don't mind my asking, is Mr. Crawley interviewing people? I just know that Ivy's already gone and now you have so I can only assume you weren't in trouble."

"Oh no," William said smiling a little, it may be silly but he was quite delighted that Daisy didn't think he was in trouble, it's just that must mean she thinks at least a little highly of him, and that's lovely. "He said he was just checking in and apparently was going to do it with everyone, I'm not entirely sure why he chose the order he did though, I mean, it would be easier to do it alphabetically I imagine."

"I suppose so, it would guarantee I was going near last to, that's always nice."

"I wouldn't worry, Daisy, you'll do fantastic plus he only asked if I liked working there and if I liked my co-workers and all I had to do was say 'yes'," William replied patting Daisy on the shoulder. "It's not as if he's planning on firing anyone."

**
"Somebody's getting fired," Jimmy announced walking up to Thomas who was smoking once more.

Jimmy could see Thomas' ears perk up at his statement but he still replied calmly, "Is that so?"

"It seems so, yes, he's interviewing everyone and really it couldn't just be for fun," Jimmy responded settling into the familiarity of standing outside with Thomas and watching him smoke. He had, to be quite honest, felt rather awkward after the lovely little outburst Ethel had had when they had played Clue. What are you supposed to say to someone after that happens? So, he was quite grateful go back to routine, he liked spending time with Thomas, he certainly didn't want that to change.

"No, I suspect it is for a reason, it probably is for the purpose of evaluation and it may be evaluating us to know who he can cut, who has he talked to so far? I haven't really noticed."

"Well, I heard William talking about so he's gone and Ivy was telling me how terrifying her interview was earlier," Jimmy answered recalling his conversation with Ivy, she did that alot, corner him and talk to him. He supposed it was flattering in a sense, she seemed to like him alot, he just didn't reciprocate and he didn't really want to hurt her feelings. Though, he found it can be useful to have someone fawning over you, much easier to get them to do stuff for you and whatnot. Not that he could be that much of a manipulative bastard, nope, never.

"Interesting," Thomas muttered. "He seems to be picking people with no rhyme nor reason, can't really anticipate when you'll get called in."

"Right," Jimmy agreed, he found that was the best thing to do when Thomas got thinking like that. "So, are you nervous, then?"

"No," Thomas lied. He was a little nervous, if they were firing people he could very well go, he wasn't as liked as William, clearly, so if they wanted to get it down to one ward he'd probably be the one to go, even if he was a better worker than William, it was all social politics in a place like this. "Not really."

Both men jumped when they heard a throat clear behind them, there was Robert standing behind them, "Sorry to interrupt, but I knew Thomas had a break so I was wondering if I might chat with him."

"Of course, Mr. Crawley," Thomas said with a curt nod.

**
"Hello, Dr. Carson," Sybil chirped happily, more than anything she was excited she got to eat lunch on time today, it had been a good long while since Cora hadn't had to bring her lunch to eat in her office. "How are you today?"

"Oh, I'm good, thank you," Carson responded taking a bite of his turkey sandwich. "How are you?"

"I'm excellent, actually, I quite excited to eat lunch with everyone too, normally I'm holed up in my office around this time and Nurse Cora ends up bringing me something. I was beginning to know how Elsie felt, working through lunch," Sybil chuckled at her own joke. "How is she? I haven't chatted with her in a long time and I know you two get along quite well."

"Mrs. - Er, Elsie is good, I'll bring by her lunch after I finish eating," Carson answered. He had always liked Dr. Sybil he still remembered when she had been an intern and she would corner him at least once a day to grill him on what it was like being a doctor, he wasn't even in the same field of medicine she wanted to be in but she was still fascinated. It was refreshing. He respected that a young person could have so much interest in academics, he was also pleasantly surprised to see how polite and responsible Dr. Sybil was. Carson was more than happy to have her as a colleague. A professional like her.

"That's so kind of you," Sybil smiled. Dr. Carson had always been so sweet to the receptionist, sometimes she thought he may have... ulterior motives of the romantic persuasion, sometimes she really hoped so. Downton needed a solid romantic relationship instead of the craziness the younger staff (...herself included...) offered romantically. "I imagine she appreciates it."

"It isn't trouble," Carson replied. "Elsie's on my way, and she's a nice woman, I don't mind."

Because you love her...Sybil thought, she hated to play matchmaker and whatnot, something her mother was infamous for but Carson and Elsie were perfect for eachother! And the more she thought about it the more true it seemed, maybe she'd have to do something. She could probably get Beryl and Cora to help her... "Well, I still think it's sweet given you don't have to do it."

"It's quite nice really, I enjoy chatting with her," Carson responded. He was curious why Dr. Sybil was taking such interest in him taking Elsie lunch, he was just being friendly. Honest. "Speaking of I should probably go and give Elsie her food."

Sybil watched as Carson grabbed a plate from Beryl and headed out of the cafeteria. He must love, even if it isn't romantic, he clearly loves her. But, let's be clear, it is romantic, Sybil thought to herself. Saddened by the fact Carson wasn't there to chat with anymore she looked around for someone to chat with, William was talking to Daisy, Beryl was in the kitchen cleaning up, Alfred was awkwardly flirting with Ivy (it was really, really awkward, Sybil almost wanted to save him or her) and the rest of the staff were working. Fortunately for her Jimmy chose that moment to walk in so Sybil, on a whim, decided she would wave him over. She barely talked to the young intern, always opting for the older staff or, due to her job, the patients.

"Hello, Jimmy, how are you?" Sybil greeted with a smile, she always said good relationships with your co-workers were important and she only had a bit of paperwork and some prepping for tomorrow's group therapy.

"Fine," Jimmy said taking a seat. "Yourself?"

"I'm quite good, I had all my appointments this morning which means all I have is a little paperwork this afternoon, it's been awhile since that happened," Sybil answered. "Any reason you're just fine?" I just treated him like a patient didn't I? Sybil thought to herself. It was a natural response for her, especially after an appointment, and Jimmy seemed a little troubled so it was a natural response really.

"No," Jimmy shrugged. He figured the young doctor was psychoanalyzing him or something like that, it wasn't appreciated but given that somebody would possibly be getting fired he should probably be kind to his superiors. "Just fine, not as if anything exciting has happened today."

"Ah, yes, I suppose I have those days a lot." Especially if Tom doesn't have an appointment... Thought the part of Sybil's brain that continually stopped her from ending things with Tom. She shook that thought from her head and focused back on her conversation.

"What was that?" Jimmy asked quirking an eyebrow.

"What was what?"

"You shook your head, just a moment ago."

Shit thought Sybil Alright, well, just explain yourself calmly and rationally... "No, I didn't." She responded stubbornly.

Jimmy's brow furrowed slightly, "Yes you did, I saw it."

Well, you really screwed that up, may as well keep with the denial, I suppose "No, I didn't, Jimmy, why would I do that?"

"I don't know..." Jimmy said slowly. "That's why I asked."

"You must have imagined it, because I am sure I didn't," Sybil replied. God, why did I not just say I was lost in thought or something? Good God... do I just despise myself or something? "Are you feeling alright? Shall I call Dr. Carson."

"I'm fine, I suppose I must have imagined it," Jimmy admitted knowing he wasn't going to win this. "Just an odd thing to imagine is all."

"And you're sure you're fine?" Sybil asked. God! Just change the subject, don't bloody ask about it! Honestly...

"Yes, yes, must have been a trick of the light or something."

"I suppose it was..." Sybil trailed off. "Well, enough of that, there must be something else we can discuss." What did she really know about Jimmy though? He was an intern, (No one wants to talk about work over lunch, not really, do they?) Ivy had a crush on him (Because that is clearly a conversation topic) and apparently Ethel thinks him and Thomas should get together (I should probably talk to Anna about that whole incident... I can't imagine what would happen if someone said that to me. Though who would they be talking about, Tom? Not as if anyone knows about that. I certainly hope not...) "So, um... how's Thomas?" Really, really Sybil, that's what we're going with? Really? Good God, are you just opposed to good decisions? Sybil thought to herself, she wasn't always so hard on herself, but, really, after this series of decisions it seems necessary.

"Good, I imagine," Jimmy said sounding a little confused. "Why do you ask?"

Yes, why do I ask? "Just... just wondering, I haven't seen him in awhile and I imagine you being an intern and him being a ward you obviously have to spend time together and also, I'm pretty sure you're friends so I thought I'd ask," Sybil smiled, perhaps a little maniacally but it was hopefully friendly looking.

Jimmy paused a moment, "Right. So, I'm not seeing Thomas, not like that. I can only assume this is what you're getting at after the other nights... incident."

Sybil reddened, "Well, I mean, no, or, rather, maybe... sorry. Just so you know, it's fine if you are, I mean, like, work relationships are difficult, but, you know, be my guest."

"Alright, Dr. Sybil, I suppose I will keep that in mind," Jimmy said with a tight lipped smile.

After that... loveliness the two quickly fell into an-anything-but-comfortable-silence.

**
Alfred liked working at Downton, he did... usually. He knew what he was getting into when he applied for the position, Robert had warned him that the job could get rather intense at times and Alfred was prepared for that. Yes, some of the patients frightened him a little (...mainly just Mary) but he survived.

There was, however, one slight problem.

He didn't want to work at a hospital. So... maybe that isn't, exactly, slight but it was definitely a problem. Alfred actually wanted to cook, to be perfectly honest, he had always loved it as a kid and wanted to make his loving from that. But, his mother had different ideas, she wanted him to be a doctor because that would pay better and he would be more successful and so when he applied for a job at Downton it wasn't in the kitchen like he had wanted but rather he applied for an internship so he could eventually become a ward and even a doctor later.

Alfred appreciated that his mother wanted the best for him, he really did but that didn't mean that he couldn't help but stare longingly at the kitchens from time to time (and not just because Ivy was in there).

**
Cora cherished the moments she got alone with Robert, yes they had the time before they went to sleep to chat but it seemed so rare they got to spend time together during the day unless they were in a meeting. So, moments like this, where she and Robert were just sitting and chatting over a cuppa because they both had a spare moment were wonderful.

"How'd the interviews go this time, dear?" Cora asked.

Robert sighed, "Good, I hate that though, how am I supposed to fire anyone if I like them?"

"You'll figure it out, sweetheart."

"I certainly hope so."