It's a week before John finds time to write back to Sherlock, the conversation having been on his mind a lot in the days that followed the conversation. And naturally when he couldn't sleep, lying in his cot and longing for the cool air of London, he thought of a hundred things he could have said or should have said or wanted to ask and didn't think of at the time. And by the time he sits down to put pen to paper once more he can't remember a single one of them. Of course. Still, that doesn't keep him from writing, having gathered a few pictures of his friends and him to send to Sherlock to see what he makes of them.

~oOo~

Dear Sherlock,

We got in some new supplies and soldiers a few days after our phone call, which means that it's been busy here. I had to check over their personnel files just to make sure that I know any special allergies or anything that any of them have, and to make sure that they did get all of the shots needed to be here. The boys were glad to be rotated out, but it looks like it's going to be a while for those of us in the medical corps. Most people want out, but I'm not sure what else I would do. The Army has sort of become my life. I'm a doctor of course, but there's something different from being a doctor out here than sitting in an office and treating every stubbed toe and case of sniffles that someone comes in about. At least here I know that my skills are genuinely needed. Still, with the influx of new blood as it were, the base has been abuzz. News from home more than what we can learn through proper news channels.

It's been hotter than normal here recently, it's starting to take its toll on all of us. There have been a few times recently where I just lay awake in bed, not able to sleep because even at night it's warmer than it should be. For the first time in a long time, I actually find myself wanting to go back to London, as cold and foggy as it can be at times. For a long time I haven't cared if I stayed here or went back to London, but now.. I want to go home. I will be coming home for Christmas, I've already made arrangements. It will be strange, I don't even know what I'll do once I get there. We should get together for a pint at the very least. Bloody hell, I need to start thinking about that. Yes, I realize it's seven months off at least, but I hadn't thought about it until now.

And you were right on the phone, I do worry about my friends, and their health. Perhaps a little annoying with my insistence that I know what is best for their health. Most of the time it's true however. Since I am a doctor, I do know a few things about keeping a body healthy.

I've included copies of a few pictures a friend gave me. They're of me and a few of my friends. I thought I might test your skills and see what you can deduce about them. And if you can pick out which one is me, I'm not going to tell you. I'm interested to see how well your powers of deduction serve you.

How are things going with the Yard? Last you said Inspector Lestrade hadn't called you for any cases. Has that changed at all? I hope you are finding something to do with your time that is productive and you aren't causing too much trouble. Bloody hell, I do sound like a mother hen. I don't usually. It's your bloody fault. I'm not sure how, but you bring it out in me.

Well, other than the influx of new people and new supplies, it's been rather quiet around here. I am sure that will change now that I've mentioned it, but for now I'm grateful to have the lapse. I still have full days of course, with patients always to look after, whether it's for some bug they picked up or if it is a long-term injury care that can be taken care of out here instead of being shipped off. But it's easier when all you have to do is give medication here or change a bandage there. Good time to get caught up on my reading. If there were any new reading to be had. I think I've read all the books I took with me. Well, I suppose that's all for now, I can't really think of anything else to tell you. I just hope this letter finds you in good health.

Sincerely,

John

~oOo~

When Sherlock receives the letter he's not exactly in good health. He did get a job with Scotland Yard, but in his attempt to get the criminal, he gave himself a rather superficial cut across his side, but one that still needed a few stitches. It's more of a slice across his side. But it gives him time to write a decent reply to John. And like his soldier, he has thought about the conversation, mostly having wished that it would be longer, since he wanted to know more about John, but he knows there will be other calls, other opportunities.

And another chapter! For those of you are curious, yes I am going to have them meet face to face, and yes I will eventually have John shot, and leading up into the events of the series. Different, if course, because of all the letters and stuff that will lead up to it. Needless to say, this is probably going to be the longest, chapter-wise, story that I've done. :) And of course we'll see all the others as well, Mycroft and Lestrade sooner than the others, and perhaps Donovan. :)

So you all have something to look forward to! Lots of somethings actually. Enjoy!

Reviews/Comments welcome!