Foreston - Factory Town

[aintright]

<<NPC ~ Cooper's PA ~ Brihanna Simmons ~ Outside Cooper's Office>>

Brihanna's smile broadened as she looked up and gave Mr. Hunt her full attention. "Well at least something good has come out of that relationship. You know that my loyalties and duties lie with Mr. Cooper. If it is agreeable to him I will be more than happy to keep you abreast of anything of importance." She snapped the cover of her PDA to a closed position. Tapped the stylus on it and slid it into its holder. "Of course we know you will keep us informed of any important events, classified or declassified." She cocked her head and checked her watch. "I am sure you have others you need to speak with and preparations to make, I won't detain you further. If there is any assistance Mr. Cooper's office can give, you know who to come to. Thank you for your time and efforts Mr. Hunt." She gave him an understanding nod and headed back for the office.


Absorbed in her thoughts and pleased with the found results Brihanna didn't notice the passers by. She narrowly missed waltzing right over Zach and Sarah. She showed her frustration in the annoyance of their appearance. However, one gaze of Zach and she changed her attitude. She slowly removed her glasses, "My appologies, I guess I should better watch where I am going." Her conversation was obviously directed to Zach and came with a charming smile.

Zach gave her a nod, "No problem Miss, we were in conversation and not paying attention as we should either. Black knew he needed to put forward his best foot with the locals. He gave a friendly smile and looked to Sarah for support.

Extending her hand, "Brihanna Simmons, I don't believe I've seen you in Foreston before." She knew this was a face she would have remembered if she had.

Zach smiled, "Zach Black and this is Sarah Whitley" Brihanna didn't even acknowledge Sarah's presence. No we don't get to leave the base as often as we would like, we do look forward to visiting your lovely town when we can though." He graciously shook her hand.

It hit her that he was military, she shrugged it off as a mere challenge. "We are always pleased to have you and your comrades in town. If there is anything you need while you are here feel free to stop by Mr. Cooper's office" She continued speaking directly to Zach.

Black was taking in her striking features, his eyes surveyed her face, "Brihanna" he said with a bit of a question as to whether he had her name. She titled her head, she liked the way he said her name. He felt a slight nudge from Sarah whom he gave a quick look of irritaion. Returning his attention to Miss Simmons, "We need to check in with the Sherriff. I thank you though for your kind offer, please excuse us."

"Why of course," Brihanna moved out of their way. "Enjoy your stay, maybe we will have time to talk further later." She gave him a look and watched as they headed off. You, I will definitely see again. Brihanna opened her PDA and noted, Zach Black in its place. She returned to the office with an accomplished strut.

[Ryn]

From Jack's Place to the Sherriff's Office

"Hmmm, speaking of zat." He grabbed it from where it lay on the dresser and strapped it on. He took a glance in the mirror to make sure the hoody covered it not wanting to cause any further adieu with the locals. Zach picked up the loose items laying in a pile and pocketed them. Scratching his head he gave the room a once over. A last minute thought led him to his pack where he scrounged about for his wallet. Pulling the items back out of his pocket he inventoried them for the room key. Smiling, he was satisfied that he had everything he followed Sarah out the door and down the hall.

They strode silently into the bar area. Zach gave a social nod to the owner as they exited the building. Taking a quick look around he got his bearings and headed towards the sherriff's office. The warmth of the sun on his face was soothing. "I sure hope things will go well with the locals. We don't need a reason for a greater divide. We are truly in need of each other these days." He eyeballed the building he was looking for down the road.

"So what were your interests while you were here. Just getting out of the hole or did you need any specific supplies or just in the mood to do some window shopping?" He rolled his eyes at the latter item. Not of great interest to him. But he would be happy to tag along and show Sarah around if that was what she desired.

((sorry this is a little late. Got lost. ))

Sheriff's Office

Mike was about to call it a day and go home when he spotted two more people coming up the road to his office. He sighed, and went outside to greet them. More people from the base... these aren't locals, that's for sure. He didn't recognise them so thought it best to be cautious and courteous.

"Hi there. I'm Sheriff Anderson. What can I do for ya folks?" He touched the rim of his Stetson in respect, adressing first the man, then the woman. "Sir. Ma'am."

Sheriff Mike Anderson - NPC

((feel free to poke me if I don't answer quick. ))

[Jynjyr]

[ Mayor's house ]

Spoiler:

Nick sighed in feigned exasperation and stared up at the sky, "Go ahead, laugh at us. Get it out of your system."
~Callista wouldn't laugh at you.~ Janus was confused at the merriment.
No. I know that. Neither of them are really.
~Laura seems to be relaxing.~
Finding humor in a situation does that for humans. If we can laugh at what scares us, it makes it better.
~She's not scared of me, of us, any more?~
Getting there. Be patient.
~If you say so.~
After the snickering died down, the man picked up his glass and drained it. "Did someone say something about food? It's come to my attention that I missed breakfast and lunch," he studied the empty glass, "I probably shouldn't have drank that."

[ Mayor's house ]

Goodwin snorted as she got up and poured him another glass. "If you get drunk," she raised her eyebrows and added, "If Janus will let you get drunk, I'm sure Cal will be happy to make sure you hit the bed."

As Callista walked by, she leaned over and whispered in Nick's ear, "That's my goal for the evening. Be warned."
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and straightened up, smiling brightly at Goodwin. "Shall we, Laura? I had a meal on Iberia, I don't remember which one. I'm so hungry I could eat ... one of those scaly little lizard things that swarmed us last spring."

[Hulabaloo]

[ Sarah Whitely - Foreston - Outside ]

"Just to get off the base really." Sarah replied to Zach's previous question, "After the AU mission, guess I got a lot of things to think about. Easier off base, time off. Ya know?" She looked for Zach's understanding and nodded at him.

Sarah followed closely behind Zach as they approached a sort of office type building, assuming he knew what he was doing, she followed obediently.

As they spoke to the woman, Sarah kept quiet allowing Zack to speak to her. Once their little exchange was finished Sarah smiled at the women and left with Zack. She didn't fail to notice the way she looked at Zach.

((Ooops, my bad.))

[Gen Blue]

(( Do it as though you saw Coopers PA and then the Sheriff? It's not like she even saw Sarah. ))

[Gen Blue]

[ Mayor's house ]

Spoiler:

Goodwin snorted as she got up and poured him another glass. "If you get drunk," she raised her eyebrows and added, "If Janus will let you get drunk, I'm sure Cal will be happy to make sure you hit the bed."

As Callista walked by, she leaned over and whispered in Nick's ear, "That's my goal for the evening. Be warned."
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and straightened up, smiling brightly at Goodwin. "Shall we, Laura? I had a meal on Iberia, I don't remember which one. I'm so hungry I could eat ... one of those scaly little lizard things that swarmed us last spring."

[ Mayor's house ]

Nick was left speachless by Callista's words. The women of his previous acquaintance hadn't been so forthright or bold.
"Bojemoi," he mumbled, absentmindedly tossing back his fresh shot of vodka.
~I guess that answers that question, doesn't it,~ Janus asked gleefully.
Ya THINK!! Nick's stomach started doing flip-flops. He couldn't decide if it was nerves or vodka.
~It's not the alcohol.~ A childish giggle sounded in the man's mind. ~What are you worried about? From what I've seen in your memory, it's a very pleasant experience.~
Being drunk? Or ... that? Either way, I'm out of practice. Nick leaned his head in his hand and groaned, "I'm too old for this."
~Only if you want to be. Physically, you're about 25 years old. That's younger than Callista.~ Janus sounded smug at the results of his handiwork.
Heavy sarcasm colored the man's thought. Well, that's one less thing I have to worry about.
~What's that saying? It's like riding a bicycle, you never forget.~
The last time I rode a bike, I got knocked into a ditch, Nick thought gloomily.
~Grrrrr. You're impossible. Does alcohol always make you grumpy?~
To be honest, yes. The reason I rarely drink anything stronger than beer. The man debated going into the house but decided to let the ladies have some time to chat. Instead, he slid lower in the chair and idly watched the clouds flit across the darkening sky.

[aintright]

[ Sarah Whitely - Foreston - Outside ]

"Just to get off the base really." Sarah replied to Zach's previous question, "After the AU mission, guess I got a lot of things to think about. Easier off base, time off. Ya know?" She looked for Zach's understanding and nodded at him.

Sarah followed closely behind Zach as they approached a sort of office type building, assuming he knew what he was doing, she followed obediently.

<<Foreston - Outdoors>>

Zach had been nodding his head in understanding to Sarah's need to get away when they were side swiped by a local. He was a little taken a back by her brazen forwardness and intrigued by her amazing eyes that had danced as she spoke. He was just trying to shake it off, nervous Sarah had picked up on it and it would get back to Claire when they were approached by yet another local.

Sheriff's Office

Mike was about to call it a day and go home when he spotted two more people coming up the road to his office. He sighed, and went outside to greet them. More people from the base... these aren't locals, that's for sure. He didn't recognise them so thought it best to be cautious and courteous.

"Hi there. I'm Sheriff Anderson. What can I do for ya folks?" He touched the rim of his Stetson in respect, adressing first the man, then the woman. "Sir. Ma'am."

Sheriff Mike Anderson - NPC

<<Foreston- Sherriff's Office>>


Black turned on his professional facade as he faced the sherriff. "Sherriff, just the man we were looking for." Zach stood straight and tall and offered his hand in greeting. "Dr. Zach Black and my associate Lt. Sarah Whitley. We are on leave from the base and thought we should check in with you. We have got rooms at Jack's and wanted to leave our Zat's with you."











((umm, yup ... sry hul i was hoping you could just play off of both posts ... the opportunity presented itself and i had been poked to move things along and please forgive me. again, sry!))

[Ryn]

((it was also my understanding that cooper PA was first then sheriff. ))

[ Sheriff's Office ]

Mike shook the offered hand with somewhat reluctance. He sighed mentally at the prospect of yet another pair from the base roaming around his town, and made a mental note to tell his deputies to keep a close eye on all public places, such as the market and Jack's.

"Ah, yes. Welcome to Foreston." He said dutifully, trying to sound sincere. "If you'll both follow me, please."

When both followed him inside, he asked them both to sign the register of who had left what with him, and then took their zats. Mike carefully placed the zats in the weapons' cabinet, then locked it and triplechecked the lock. Can't be too careful these days. He placed the key to the cabinet back on the ring on his belt.

When he returned he gave them one final piece of advice. "We have had quite a number of base visitors lately, and some are still here. I don't think I have to remind you to be on your best behaviour. I prefer my cells to be empty, if you know what I mean. Oh yes, one last thing. Your General's in town, apparently. So, one more reason to be .... vigilant." He gave them a somewhat ironic smile. Maybe Blue being around will keep them on their toes more.

Sheriff Mike Anderson - NPC.

[Hulabaloo]

[ Sarah Whitely - Sheriff's Office ]

Sarah nodded to the sheriff and smiled at him to show she was polite and on her best behaviour. At being welcomed to Foreston she replied,
"Thank you." She almost felt silly for saying it, but felt that good manners were always called for, especially in a new place.

The pair followed him back to his office and handed him their zats. At the mention of the General being around Sarah raised an eyebrow but didn't question the matter, his business was his own. However she made a mental note not to cause any problems and to keep a close eye on Zach. Just in case.

"Thank you sir," She repeated, "I too hope our visit here will be...uneventful." She smiled and nodded goodbye.

[aintright]

<<Foreston - Sherriff's Office>>

Black joined Sarah in following the sherriff back into his office. He was barely listening to the conversation. Still half reeling from his contact with Simmons. He was here to clear his brain on where he wanted to go with Claire. Why was it that he was even slightly distracted by her.

He watched Sarah as she signed the sheet on the clipboard. She seemed quite withdrawn since their time with Lance and Kim back at Jack's. He thought to question her on the matter when the Sherriff disappeared but he was moving back their way before the words could cross his lips.

Examining the sterile, vacated containment area, "Your cell is the last place you want to spend our time off, sir. No worries on that matter. We are here to kick back, lay low and relax. Nothing personal but I hope not to visit you again until retreaving my zat to return to base." He gave a friendly grin stuffing his hands into his jean pockets.

Hearing the mention of the presence of the General, Black raised his eyebrows and gave a quick glance to Sarah. He gave a little internal snicker to her in suit response. He had no doubt that she was thinking she would have to keep him on a short leash.

As Sarah gave the sherriff her thank you Black nodded in agreement and started turning towards the exit. "Sir, I hope you have a peaceful evening." He opened the door, "After you Miss Whitley." Escorting her out the door he pointed out the market area just down the road.








((it is playoffs time in this part of the world, will check in when i can. nice covering for my mess there hul! thanks!))

[Jynjyr]

[ Mayor's house ]

Spoiler:

Nick was left speachless by Callista's words. The women of his previous acquaintance hadn't been so forthright or bold.
"Bojemoi," he mumbled, absentmindedly tossing back his fresh shot of vodka.
~I guess that answers that question, doesn't it,~ Janus asked gleefully.
Ya THINK!! Nick's stomach started doing flip-flops. He couldn't decide if it was nerves or vodka.
~It's not the alcohol.~ A childish giggle sounded in the man's mind. ~What are you worried about? From what I've seen in your memory, it's a very pleasant experience.~
Being drunk? Or ... that? Either way, I'm out of practice. Nick leaned his head in his hand and groaned, "I'm too old for this."
~Only if you want to be. Physically, you're about 25 years old. That's younger than Callista.~ Janus sounded smug at the results of his handiwork.
Heavy sarcasm colored the man's thought. Well, that's one less thing I have to worry about.
~What's that saying? It's like riding a bicycle, you never forget.~
The last time I rode a bike, I got knocked into a ditch, Nick thought gloomily.
~Grrrrr. You're impossible. Does alcohol always make you grumpy?~
To be honest, yes. The reason I rarely drink anything stronger than beer. The man debated going into the house but decided to let the ladies have some time to chat. Instead, he slid lower in the chair and idly watched the clouds flit across the darkening sky.

[ Mayor's house ]

Callista went to the cooler and took out the ingredients for the salad and the pre-mixed dressing. She made herself busy finding a bowl and tossing vegetables so Goodwin couldn't see her reddened face. Good Lord, woman. What has gotten into you?

Laura watched from the corner of her eye, pretty sure she knew the gist of Cal's whisper to Nick. She took the waxed paper off the pork chops and sprinkled them with seasoning. Going over to the sink, the woman washed her hands and leaned against the counter as she dried them.
"You don't need to be embarrassed about it. It's been happening between men and women since time began," Laura licked her lips and continued, "Tell me to shut up if I'm out of line but, are you really that nonchalant about the sn ... symbiote?"

Cal picked the last of the carrots off her hands before she answered. "No," she said with a sigh, "I'm still getting used to it."
She leaned on the counter next to Goodwin and explained, "When I thought we'd lost him, that Janus was a Goa'uld .... I didn't know if I could go on - after." The woman shuddered at the memory of what that really meant. "I thought," she shook her head, "Never mind what I thought then. When we finally knew better, I decided that, if I wanted him, I had to accept Janus."
Callista said fiercely, "I. Want. Him. Anyway. Any relationship we can have. Even if it means ... loving a snake. Because Janus is part of Nick and Nick is part of Janus. That's what a Blending is."

Laura pulled Call into a hug, reassuring her, "You two are right for each other. So different and so much alike. Strong, steadfast, loyal ..."

"Clueless," Cal laughed and stepped back, "Everyone saw it but us."

Goodwin chuckled as well, "That's what happens when you're too close to an issue. I wish you happiness."

"Thanks. We'll take it in small doses, I'm afraid. 24 hours at a time, once every couple of months," she sighed then shook off the dark mood, "Let's go get this stuff on the table. If Nick isn't asleep, he can man the grill."

[Ryn]

[Sheriff's Office]

Mike smiled and nodded. "Good strategy, Mr. Black. Have fun."
He watched them leave his office, and blew out a breath. He could relax again. It was early in the evening, and he had already decided to call it a day.
After stretching his back and neck, Mike left a few notes on the desk for the deputy that took the night shift, and headed out the door, hoping there was something nice for dinner. He lived just down the road, and he smiled seeing Sandra's figure through the kitchen window. The sight always warmed his heart and let any worry of the day simply disappear.

He hung his Stetson on its hook by the door (a sign to the outside world that as of now, the sheriff was "off-duty") and went inside, to enjoy the remainder of the day with his family.

Sheriff Mike Anderson

[Hulabaloo]

[ Sarah Whitely - Foreston ]

Sarah stepped out into the cool night air and breathed in deeply. Their stay had just begun and she had only just been allowed to relax. She'd raised her eyebrow at the 'Miss' bit but let it slide. She was having too much fun. She'd noticed that he'd gestured towards the Market and she started walking in that direction, but not purposeful, just calmly.

"Off to market?" She remarked to Zach, hoping to start a conversation.

[Gen Blue]

[ Mayor's house ]

Spoiler:

Callista went to the cooler and took out the ingredients for the salad and the pre-mixed dressing. She made herself busy finding a bowl and tossing vegetables so Goodwin couldn't see her reddened face. Good Lord, woman. What has gotten into you?

Laura watched from the corner of her eye, pretty sure she knew the gist of Cal's whisper to Nick. She took the waxed paper off the pork chops and sprinkled them with seasoning. Going over to the sink, the woman washed her hands and leaned against the counter as she dried them.
"You don't need to be embarrassed about it. It's been happening between men and women since time began," Laura licked her lips and continued, "Tell me to shut up if I'm out of line but, are you really that nonchalant about the sn ... symbiote?"

Cal picked the last of the carrots off her hands before she answered. "No," she said with a sigh, "I'm still getting used to it."
She leaned on the counter next to Goodwin and explained, "When I thought we'd lost him, that Janus was a Goa'uld .... I didn't know if I could go on - after." The woman shuddered at the memory of what that really meant. "I thought," she shook her head, "Never mind what I thought then. When we finally knew better, I decided that, if I wanted him, I had to accept Janus."
Callista said fiercely, "I. Want. Him. Anyway. Any relationship we can have. Even if it means ... loving a snake. Because Janus is part of Nick and Nick is part of Janus. That's what a Blending is."

Laura pulled Call into a hug, reassuring her, "You two are right for each other. So different and so much alike. Strong, steadfast, loyal ..."

"Clueless," Cal laughed and stepped back, "Everyone saw it but us."

Goodwin chuckled as well, "That's what happens when you're too close to an issue. I wish you happiness."

"Thanks. We'll take it in small doses, I'm afraid. 24 hours at a time, once every couple of months," she sighed then shook off the dark mood, "Let's go get this stuff on the table. If Nick isn't asleep, he can man the grill."

[ Mayor's House ]

Nick wiggled futher down in the chair, getting the back of his neck off the rail, Now, look at the one at four o'clock. It's an alligator.
Janus was sceptical but accepted Nick's identification, ~That's an alligator, eh? How about the one at ten o'clock?~
The man's eyes shifted without his command, An anteater. See the long snout?
~Where are the ants then?~
Its an ANT-EATER. It ate them. Nick made it sound perfectly logical.
~You're quite strange, Nikolai. Do you know that?~
Regretting your choice of hosts?
The symbiote was silent for almost a minute before answering, ~No. I like you. I like the strangeness, the newness, the freshness of our Blending. I wouldn't have this opportunity to learn with a host supplied by the Tok'ra.~
They've forgotten what it is to be young, after a few seconds, Nick added, Young in mind even if not young in body.
~Young in mind means looking for images in the clouds?~
It's a game children play. Most adults think they don't have time to do something this unproductive.
~Do you? Have time?~
Today I do. I need to make time to do more things like this. Maybe, once the snow falls, I'll go snowshoeing. Go out in the woods and build a snowman.
~What's a snowman?~ Janus couldn't find a picture in Nick's mind.
Look at two o'clock. That's kind of a snowman shape.
Janus was studying the lopsided clouds formation when Callista and Laura came out of the house. On impulse, he stood up and pointed to the sky, ~Callista, does that cloud look like a snowman to you?~

[Jynjyr]

[ Mayor's house ]

The sound of a symbiote's distinctive voice startled Laura. She jumped and dropped the tray of pork chops onto the table with a loud clatter. The woman gasped audibly and involuntarily stepped back. "Nick!"

Callista wasn't quite so surprised and managed not to lose control of the slippery bowl she held. Sitting it down, she moved over to Goodwin and touched her arm. "Don't panic. It's just Janus."
Looking over to Nick, she could tell that it was the young symbiote who was looking at them in chagrin and dismay.
"Yes, Janus," she answered gently, "It does."