The Adventure of the Copper Beeches: Sworn

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
Title: Sworn
Author: spacemutineer
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: violence and injury


It is in his hands one can see Watson’s true nature. His finger pulls the trigger, eliminating the threat with one shot. His palm presses the kidnapper’s gaping wound while his other hand reaches for gauze and anesthetic. Watson’s hands save lives, good or evil, deserved or not. All life is life, and the doctor is sworn to protect it.

Comments

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

Just don't take a risk and threaten Holmes...

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Quite right. Cross that line and all bets are off.

[vsee.livejournal.com]

Oh, nicely done.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Why thank you!

[methylviolet10b]

Nice one! I love the focus on the hands and the reference to shooting the hound.

All life is life, and the doctor is sworn to protect it.

Although he protects some more diligently than others, and if he has to pick between Holmes' life and pretty much anyone else's...

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, Holmes always comes first. But if he is safe, and given the opportunity, I think Watson would help almost anyone if he could. Helping is his nature.

[leone (from livejournal.com)]

Interesting choice of subject (grammatical subject) there--"Watson's hands save lives . . ." It's as if he doesn't make a conscious choice about it; it just happens. I can see an extremely angsty exploration of this, where Watson tries to let some vile person die, but can't make himself stop treating him.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Ohhhhh, that is some great plot bunny you have there... I may have to play with that one! Thank you very much!

[hardboiledbaby]

Very thought-provoking. Me likey :)

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Why, thank you very much indeed!

[lucybun.livejournal.com]

There does seem to be an inherent dichotomy in one man being both a soldier and a doctor, and this addresses it beautifully. Watson doesn't kill with one hand and heal with the other, he's protecting with both. It's a lovely image and a thoughtful resolution of the soldier/doctor conflict. Fantastic!

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Wow, thank you very much! I love that protective nature of Watson's and I'm glad it came through well for you here. Thanks again!

[shouldboverthis.livejournal.com]

Yes! The combination of things that is Watson.