Late June 2012: Stokes County, South Dakota, The Warehouse/Leena's B&B

[damncompass]

Joshua has realized two things over the past half-week. First, he loves his new job more than anything ever. He can do all of the science he wants, or he can just sit in the office and watch other people do what they're doing while poking on the internet.

Second, he needs a damn car. The rental's fine for now, but he'd checked the other day, and he'd only officially rented it for two weeks. That goes on a to-do list for the weekend.

This day, however, he's locked himself in his lab to finish setting it up and take stock of what he's going to need to get or order.

Comments

[damncompass]

"Yeah. Forgot that she knows kung-fu. Or some other martial art." He pauses. "It wasn't on purpose. She wouldn't."

[k39zzz]

"Kenpo, I believe it was." Something like that, anyway. It's in Helena's personnel file.
"No, she wouldn't. How are things going other than that?"

[damncompass]

"Something like that." Joshua leans back in the chair and shrugs. "Artie thinks I'm breathing down his neck, even if I say good morning and drive to Featherhead to find a Target, Claud likes having me here, I'm pretty sure, Helena's trying too hard to impress Artie again, and Pete's acting lost-puppy." It's not a bad summary.

[k39zzz]

Jane winces. "That's never been a good look on him."
(At least this time the person Pete's lost-puppying over is alive? Small consolation, but better than none.)
"Artie will get used to you being here sooner or later. For everyone's sake I hope it's sooner. As for Helena, she's probably just trying to make sure she's in everyone's good graces, not just yours."

[damncompass]

"No, it's really disconcerting if it comes down to it." Joshua sighs. "And I know Helena's trying. It's just one of those 'ok, you're trying too hard right now' things, and it's getting awkward." He's not even going to go into all of the issues with Artie.

[k39zzz]

"Then tell her as much. Of everyone, she'll take it the best from you."

[damncompass]

He runs a hand through his hair. "I should." It's not that he's worried about getting smacked in the face again. He's just... uncertain of himself right now.

[k39zzz]

Jane raises an eyebrow. "You do know you wouldn't be here if we didn't think you could be both professional and personal, right?"
If he weren't up to the difficult conversations with people he's close to, they probably would have settled for letting him do his research and leaving it at that.

[damncompass]

"Yeah, I know. And it's not exactly that. If it was Claud, I'd tell her she was being a dumbass, and I can be professional with Artie, it's just... I don't even know." And to be truly honest, he doesn't know. "I think I'm just not used to being in charge and important, that's all."

[k39zzz]

"You'll be able to handle it, though. There's a reason you're here and not me."
And she's woman enough to admit it.

[damncompass]

Joshua just shrugs. "There's reasons for everything, but it doesn't mean that I have to be used to them yet." Then again, he still thinks he's mostly just here for the science.

[k39zzz]

"You'll get there in time. And meanwhile, you have work you know what to do with."

[damncompass]

"That's very true. I do know what to do with strange science." He wishes there was more in the way of precident, but he'll find Newton's notes eventually.

[k39zzz]

Jane smiles. "So I've read."

[damncompass]

Joshua shakes his head. "I'm sure you have. You seem to be quite fond of personnel files." Is that a smirk? Probably.

[k39zzz]

"Can you blame me for wanting to know everything I can about the people we're tasked with figuring out?"
(She's smirking right back, though.)

[damncompass]

"Not blaming you at all. Just pointing out a few facts." He's grinning by this point.

[k39zzz]

"You're very good at that. And that would be why we like you."
Well, most of them like him, anyway. Enough that they decided to keep him around.

[damncompass]

"Scientist thing, I guess." Or really, more of a Joshua thing. He's more actually tactful than a lot of scientists.

He glances at a clock across the room. "Hell, it's getting on four. You want to stay for dinner?"

[k39zzz]

"Oh, why not."
The only person here who doesn't know who she is is Claudia (well, beyond 'video lady'), and Jane's not expecting that to last long anyway.

[damncompass]

"Pretty sure Pete's not going to be back tonight, but I can call if you'd feel better." Joshua shrugs. "Besides. I feel like cooking. I think it's a spaghetti night."

[k39zzz]

"That case sounds complicated enough to keep him an Artie occupied for the night." For which she's exceedingly grateful.
"Is it a spaghetti night? I didn't know there was a way to tell."

[damncompass]

"It's a family thing. My mom made the best spaghetti ever, and some days, one or more of us would just decree it to be a spaghetti night. I'm pretty sure that Leena stocks the stuff I'd need for it." If not, he does know where the Univille grocery is.

[k39zzz]

Jane nods. "Sounds like a family tradition worth keeping. Do you need any help? Leena headed to the Warehouse herself after I got here."

[damncompass]

"Well, there is a lot of chopping involved." Joshua stands up and smiles. "I wouldn't mind some help with that."