As the story progresses, I am left with guesses

I'm in a spasm, from the lack of enthusiasm

From lack of revue, I haven't a clue

Should I continue or stop, is this story a flop?

I need one moment of time, to tell of another crime

Thanks to Red Dragon, who should be braggin'

For the tale they wrote, to it I allude, but do not quote

Fear not, I tell you now, Dragon was a pal

Permission was sought, and granted with careful thought.

Now, let's have the disclaimer, before this rhyme becomes lamer.

These characters are not mine in any shape, form, or kind

The story I unfold, should never be told

But yet, let us embark with further tales of a snark.

'He came as a Butcher: but gravely declared,

When the ship had been sailing a week,

He could only kill Beavers. The Bellman looked scared,

And was almost too frightened to speak:

But at length he explained, in a tremulous tone,

There was only one Beaver on board;

And that was a tame one he had of his own,

Whose death would be deeply deplored.

The Beaver, who happened to hear the remark,

Protested, with tears in its eyes,

That not even the rapture of hunting the Snark

Could atone for that dismal surprise!'

The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll

Allison Cameron had more difficulty returning quickly to her offices than she had anticipated. Her original plan, after the look of death she had received from Cuddy, was to quickly run to the nursery, hand her daughter off to one of the attendants, and immediately sprint back to the third floor. Her daughter had different plans. The moment Cameron was about to hand Emma to the nursery attendant, Emma had looked at her, smiled, and then proceeded to vomit down the front of Cameron's blouse.

'Augh, Emma,' exclaimed Cameron in exasperation, 'not again!'

'It's alright Dr. Cameron, I'll take her.' Jessica, a nursery assistant lifted Emma from her mother's grasp and smiled at her. 'Is your tummy upset today?'

Emma nodded her head before hiding her face with her rabbit Wopples.

Cameron, holding out the front of her blouse, examined the damage. 'No, no, no, no. Not today.'

'It's alright, Dr. Cameron. You can use our bathroom.'

Cameron glanced at Jessica before returning her concentration to her clothing. 'I've got to shower, its gone straight through. Why today, Emma? Why?'

'Excuse me?' asked Jessica a little confused.

'What?' Cameron looked up at the girl holding her daughter, 'Oh, I'm sorry Jessica, I'm talking to myself. We have the new interim coming today and I was supposed to have been there an hour ago. Now I am going to have to run downstairs to shower and change again.'

'Is there anything I can do?' Jessica smiled as Emma started hitting her in the head with Wopples.

'Can you clean up Emma and Wopples for me?' asked Cameron pleadingly. 'I'd really appreciate it,' then as an afterthought she added, 'can you also call my department and tell them I'll be there as soon as I can?'

Jessica smiled reassuringly at Cameron. 'Sure Dr. Cameron, no problem.'

'Thanks, I owe you one.'

'No problem. Can you wave bye-bye to mommy Emma? ' Jessica crossed the room with Emma and picked up the phone. 'Let's make this call and then get you cleaned up, shall we?'

'It strongly advised that the Butcher should be

Conveyed in a separate ship:

But the Bellman declared that would never agree

With the plans he had made for the trip:'

For the last several days, Winslow, the current departmental head, had given Cameron all responsibilities involving the in depending arrival of Wendum. It had been decided it would to be Cameron's responsibility to orient the new interim director to the case load and procedures of the department, in addition to playing nursemaid to him on his first day.

Winslow, who was within days of retiring, had already dismissed any responsibilities he had previously held with in the department. He had made it emphatically plain, for the remainder of his time, he would do absolutely nothing, or a least nothing with the exception one thing. He was going to annoy Gregory House. It was House who had contradicted him, embarrassed him, humiliated him, and who made him a laughing joke of the hospital. Winslow had determined long ago, he would get revenge before his last day. One way or another, he would humiliate House.

When Cuddy had come to his office and announced she had found his replacement in the form of an interim director; Winslow had thought little of it. In his opinion, the hospital could burn to the ground with Cuddy and everyone else in it. Then when Cuddy had informed him until it was his time to depart, he would give the general reins of the department to Allison Cameron, the old man had practically jumped for joy. Winslow would do the scheduling and a small amount of general administrative work, with the help of Barlow, but it would be Cameron who would take over supervision of the patients and staff. Or at least, it would be Cameron until the interim director presented himself. At that time, Cameron would assist in the transition and act as a second to the department head.

Winslow had found the entire event a blessing from heaven. First, everyone in the hospital knew it was to Cameron, Cuddy had originally intended to offer the position of Departmental Head of Immunology. What no one could figure out or determine was what happened to make Cuddy change her mind and hire an interim director. Winslow was certain it had to do with House. Winslow was also determined he was going to enjoy his last days by torturing Cameron. By annoying her, he would be annoying House. He did not get to enjoy it directly, but annoying House indirectly was just as well. The call from the nursery announcing Cameron's further tardiness was just another excuse Winslow had to indirectly cause problems for Gregory House.

'The Beaver's best course was, no doubt, to procure

A second-hand dagger-proof coat—

So the Baker advised it—and next to insure

Its life in some Office of note:'

'Are you finding everything in order?' Ronald Winslow asked. He was standing, watching from in the open doorway to Wendum's new office as the new interim unpacked three boxes of items which had been delivered earlier in the week.

'I believe so.' Wendum looked at the old man, trying to size his character. 'Just sorting this and that, giving the place a bit of a personal touch, he held up a cricket bat. 'I assume you don't play, do you?'

Winslow laughed, 'Not at my age son, I'd break.'

Nodding, Wendum stood, smacking the bat in his open palm as he determined its best resting place. 'I've found most Americans really don't understand the concept of cricket.'

'Yes' nodded Winslow in agreement, 'completely foreign to me.' He laughed at his own joke until he saw Wendum was not responding. 'Anyway, if you need anything, or have any questions, don't be hesitant to ask.'

'That's very kind'

'I know you were told Dr. Cameron would be here to show you around and such, but for now, I guess I can answer any questions you have. It can be difficult tying her to one spot for a moment. I guess you haven't met Dr. Cameron as of yet?'

'Actually I have.' Wendum smiled as he located the perfect place for the bat. Crossing the room, he leaned it carefully near the door. 'Well, I have of sorts…nothing proper.'

Winslow raised an overgrown, white eyebrow, 'Really? I wasn't aware she had been in?'

'She rode the lift up with Dr. Cuddy and myself. I believe she mentioned the child had been ill this morning,' answered Wendum nonchalantly as he returned to the open box and pulled out a cricket ball. 'Quite lovely isn't she.' He began to twirl the cricket ball between his hands as he leaned against the desk and looked inquiringly at Winslow.

The action grated Winslow's nerves as he thought of the times he had seen House playing with his oversized tennis ball. 'Yes, lovely as you say, but,' Winslow took a deep breath, acting as if he were debating saying anything further.

'Please do continue' encouraged Wendum, his interest in Cameron obvious.

'Well,' sighed Winslow moving to seat himself across from Wendum. 'The entire thing is very tragic. Sad really, in many ways she reminds me of my own granddaughter.'

'Really? Yes…I could see how it would be,' stated Wendum settling in for the discussion. 'Being a widow at such a young age and having to raise a child alone would be rather tragic, wouldn't it?'

Winslow took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying not to laugh at Wendum's gullibility. 'Widow, yes, tragic.' Obviously no one had told the young man there was another husband besides the dead one. Testing a theory, Winslow continued 'and of course, that entire unfortunate incident with Dr. House.'

'Dr. Gregory House…the diagnostician?'

Winslow covered his mouth with his hand, trying to hide his smile. 'The very one. Up until four weeks ago, Dr. Cameron was assigned to his department.' He shook his head sadly, 'it was the least I could do to allow her to transfer here.'

'Was there an occurrence? He didn't ill treat her did he?' Wendum shook his head in disgust, 'I have heard numeral stories about the man, but have never had the displeasure of his acquaintance in person I am pleased to say.'

'An occurrence, that's an excellent way to put it, but I wouldn't want to mention things out of turn.' Winslow looked at Wendum with a grave expression. 'Dr. Cuddy is very strict on the rumor mill and the less people who know the better. Of course there are endless speculations, but only a few of us actually know.'

Wendum was on the verge of screaming. Why didn't the old man just come out with it and tell him about Allison Cameron, after all he had dropped every hint he knew without directly coming out and asking about her. 'Yes?' asked Wendum his impatience beginning to show; then checking himself, Wendum decided on a different tactic. 'As we are making this transition into my leadership, perhaps you should tell me about it?'

Winslow considered the thought for a moment. 'There isn't that much to tell. Dr. Cameron worked for Dr. House for years and I understand there was a flirtation between them. Stacy Warren, a previous attachment of House's was here at the hospital for a while, and during that time the flirtation ended. As the lady was married, she eventually went back to her husband leaving House to again seek Cameron.' Winslow checked to see if Wendum was following him. 'There was a gala in Settle where they were sent, and I believe he tried to seduce Dr. Cameron while there. What happened or if he succeeded I'm not certain, but then later there was an incident in the clinic where Dr. Cameron was attacked by an unstable patient.'

Throwing up his hand, Wendum stopped Winslow's tale. 'Is there an overall point, Dr, Winslow?'

'Yes,' dismissed Winslow irritably, 'Dr. House has repeatedly made sexual advances towards the poor girl, and about five weeks ago, I understand he became extreme in his actions.' Winslow blushed brightly. 'As you may have noticed Dr. Wendum, the walls are made of glass.'

Wendum nodded and looked demurely to the floor, his heart beating wildly '…and Dr. Cameron?'

'Transferred here the next day,' Winslow glanced at his watch, trying to hide his grin. 'Oh no, we're about to be late.' Winslow stood and indicated the door, 'Dr. Cuddy will give me extra clinic duty if I make you late. Shall we go?'

Leading the way, Winslow guided Wendum to the reception.

'Yet still, ever after that sorrowful day,

Whenever the Butcher was by,

The beaver kept looking the opposite way,

And appeared unaccountably shy.'

'The Bellman himself they all praised to the skies—

Such a carriage, such ease and such grace!

Such solemnity, too! One could see he was wise,

The moment one looked in his face!'

By the time Wilson and House arrived at the reception, it was in full swing. The call of a free and catered lunch had ushered most of the hospital's staff from their hiding places.

'Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,' exclaimed Wilson perusing the crowd.

'Hmm, worse than actors at the sight of free food,' answered House disparagingly.

'Have you ever even been around actors with free food?'

'Yes,' House shook his head and rolled his eyes in mock horror, 'one of the worst occasions I have ever witnessed in my life. They were vicious. Its amazing anyone made it out alive.'

Wilson shook his head in disbelief, before changing the subject. 'Where's Allison? I don't see her.'

'No idea.' House let his eyes scan the room for his wife. 'But, I gather from the puddle under Cuddy that's the twit of honor.' House nodded his head to an area near the punch bowl where Cuddy and a small group of admiring women where clustered around a handsome, blonde-headed man.

'Is Allison with them?'

'Nope,' came a reply at Wilson's shoulder. 'I'm not,' Cameron glanced at her husband, 'but I so will be.' Pushing her way through the crowd, Cameron made her way to Cuddy and Dr. Wendum.

'What's that about?' asked Wilson in surprise, but House didn't answer. He was staring at the little cluster, easing his way across the room towards his wife.

'Oh lord,' sighed Wilson to no one in concern, 'this isn't going to be pretty.' Carefully, he started to follow House.

'He had bought a large map representing the sea,

Without the least vestige of land:

And the crew were much pleased when they found it to be

A map they could all understand.'

'Dr. Cameron.' The look Cuddy gave Cameron was a warning mixed with annoyance. 'Is the patient doing better?'

'Yes, much,' smiled Cameron taking her cue, 'all taken care of.'

'Good.' Cuddy turned to Wendum who was in conversation with a young nurse from pediatrics. 'Dr. Albert Wendum, may I present Dr. Allison Cameron.'

Instantly, Wendum's attention left the nurse and focused entirely on Cameron. With a tilt of his head, his eyes sought hers as he held out his hand and smiled brightly.

Without thinking, Cameron placed her hand in his. In a quick, but eloquent movement, Wendum raised Cameron's hand to his lips and kissed it gently. 'It is a pleasure.'

'Thank you, Dr. Wendum,' Cameron blushed brightly and glanced at her hand which Wendum remained holding.

'Please, call me Albert, or Culum, which ever one you would prefer. I answer to both.'

Gently, Cameron removed her hand from his grasp and glanced around the room in embarrassment, hoping her husband had not witnessed Wendum's open display of interest. 'Is there one you prefer over the other?'

'There is,' smiled Wendum, his grey eyes twinkling as he let them fall over her body. 'Is there one you prefer over the other?'

'Culum is an unusual name.'

'It's a form of Malcolm.' Wendum took a step forward, closing the space between himself and Cameron, who instinctively tried to step back, but found she couldn't as Wendum had backed her against a table. In a manner of seconds he had unconsciously moved her from Cuddy and the group. Again Cameron blushed deeply as she contemplated a means of escape.

'Malcolm is a nice name.' Cameron attempted to say as her eyes grew wide and the words failed her. Standing behind Wendum was her husband with a look of impending murder on his face. House extended a long hand, raised it in an odd salute and brought it down heavily Wendum's shoulder, turning him from Cameron.

'Hello. I'm Gregory House. I don't believe we've met.'

Wendum, wincing in pain, looked up at House. 'Was that necessary?'

'Yes, I really, really think it was.' Sarcasm dripped from House's words as he gave Wendum a wide-eyed knowing look.

'House!' cut in Cuddy quickly stepping between the two men. 'Stop it.'

'Stop what? I'm just introducing myself to Albie, Colculm,' House shrugged and shook his head, 'Malbert, whatever or whichever name he said.' Turning to Wendum, House stooped slightly so they would be eye level, 'You really need to figure out which personality is in the lead, so the rest of us know who to address.'

'House.' The anger in Cuddy's voice was unmistakable. 'Quit it.'

'What did I do?' asked House innocently flipping his cane, so it would swing back and smack Wendum squarely in the shin, causing the man to yelp loudly.

Cuddy turned to Wilson and Foreman who had quietly approached and were standing poised at the corner of the large circle which had formed around the scene. 'Get him out of here.'

As Wilson stepped forward to remove him, House turned and looked at Cameron who had moved to stand with her back against the wall, watching his display of jealousy.

There was apology in House's blue eyes, unfortunately for House, there was fury in Cameron's. She looked at her husband in a way which made three-fourths of the room take a step back in apprehension. Without a word to House, Cameron composed herself and stepped from the wall to Wendum's side.

'Dr. Wendum, Culum, you have my deepest apologies.' Giving him a weak smile, Cameron turned on her heel and looked at Wilson who sheepishly stepped back leaving House standing alone and blocking her exit.

'Allison,' said House, small notes of pleading and anger was in his voice.

'Please step aside, Dr. House.' Cameron bit her upper lip in agitation as crossed her arms and she stared up at House.

'Allison.' This time House's voice came as a warning, as he became aware the entire room had fallen silent and were watching the display between them. For several seconds they stood glaring at each other, then with a look of defeat, House stepped aside and let his wife stalk passed him, before he quickly followed in her wake. Standing in the back of the circle, Winslow began laughing quietly to himself.

'But the danger was past—they had landed at last'

With their boxes, portmanteaus, and bags;

Yet at first sight the crew were not pleased with the view,

Which consisted of chasms and crags.'

The Hunting of the Snark, by Lewis Carroll

Author's note

First, Dragon, please write more on your story! And again, thank you.

Second to answer a question or two which cropped up on my email...

Gyre and Gimple in the Wabe is from Lewis Carrolls' Jabberwocky.

Twas brillig, and the slithery toves did gyre and gimple in the wabe.

All mimsy were the borogroves and the momes wrathed outgrabe.

And yes, there is a musical of Hunting of the Snark. It was in the West End and one of the McGanns was the baker, David McCullum (Ducky on NCIS was Carroll). Absolutely beautiful music and a lot of fun. I don't know if the CD is still avaiblable or not.

So...what do you think? Can't wait to read your reviews.