28. Flash fiction prompt: It is the wrong side of midnight and John is having a booze fuelled conversation with EOS.

"I do not agree," EOS says for the thousandth time.

Unfortunately, John's had half a bottle of some exquisite bourbon, and he's never going to relent.

"No, really, EOS. S'a good idea. I promish, it'll work."

"I do not agree."

John's not entirely sure what he's put forward, but he's in too deep to renege now. It was one of his ideas, therefore it was a good idea. Right?"

"John Tracy, you are drunk."

EOS's petulant voice comes through loud and clear. She's a hologram right now, her LEDS all blue–but John knows they're really red. Red for 'I-am-so-upset-with-you-right-now.' But EOS doesn't really understand. Yes, he's drunk. But he's also drunk because he nearly died.

"I do agree," John parodies. The booze makes him bold. "One hun'red per cent, drunkaroo. Tha's me."

"I am calling one of your brothers."

"Do what you want!" John cries, throwing himself back onto the couch. "I don' care. S'all good. Everything's all good right now."

It's not, though. Nothing is okay. But the burn of bourbon takes the taint of fear away. He doesn't want to experience the fear, because he's certain his brothers don't–at least not to the same degree he does. They nearly die all the time. They're used to it, especially Gordon, thanks to Fischler.

John's not, though. And it makes him feel weak. And it's made him reach for the booze.

"T' get back to my point," he says, "it'll be a real good idea. Oh yeah, a real good idea."

"What would?" EOS asks, LEDs still red.

John pauses. He blinks. The bottle slides from his hands.

"I…"

He gulps.

"I dunno."

His breath catches.

"I…I don't know anything, anymore."