An Unhappy Man by DorsetGirl (All Ages)

[time-testudinem.livejournal.com]

Fandom: LIFE ON MARS
Pairing: gen
Length: 28k
Author on LJ: dorsetgirl
Author Website: DorsetGirl at the Collators' Den
Why this must be read: Because once again we have a Sam who isn't exactly sane, only this time the Sam is Williams. Sam Williams is both intriguing and frustrating in the LoM universe, because we are told just enough to make him important, but so little about who he is supposed to be. Here, DorsetGirl takes an in depth look at what Life on Mars would look like if it really was Sam Williams' story and not Sam Tyler's.


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Williams is having to lean on to the table now to keep himself something approaching upright, but this gets through the wine fog and he splutters indignantly, almost dropping his drink.

 

“I have got ’magin, nnnation. I have. C’n p... p... prove it. I can immm..., ‘gine, all stuff, sorts of stuff. Stuff don’t you know about, ’cos I’ve, ’cos you...Phone. There. Phone. ’N... pocket.” He tries to slap the table for emphasis but his elbow slips and he nearly falls off the chair. Ignoring this, he grabs the table again and grins foolishly. “See? ’Gination, got gim...in...ation.”

 

Pete pours the wine into the water tumbler this time; it looks less fragile.

 

“You silly sod,” He smiles broadly at the state Williams is in. “A phone in your pocket? What about the wire, you daft dick?”

 

“Wire? No wire. Not co...connec... joined. Pocket.“

 

“What do you mean, no wires? I thought I was the one with the futuristic ideas, but for God’s sake, Sam, that takes the biscuit!”

 

“Radios not wires, not... don’t have wires!” His attempts to draw radio masts in the air are vague but large and determined.

 

Pete laughs kindly. “You’re drunk, my Sam. Completely fallen over the edge of reality.” He carefully moves Williams’ glass away from the edge. “And why would you want a phone in your pocket anyway?”

 

“So can hide, hide it and I ... safe. Keep ... safe.”

An Unhappy Man