Trooper Station, Monday

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Back in the swing of things and even bringing the troopers some donuts from J,GoB today, Renee was at her desk and reading over files.

She was just glad the entire island hadn't disappeared while she was away.

Again.

Comments

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Dale snagged a doughnut and raised a cup of coffee to his colleague. "Caught up on your paperwork yet?"

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Renee glanced up, smiling just a bit at the coffee. It was nice to see things didn't change here.

"Almost."

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"Let me guess. You'd rather be back facing down a bunch of humanoid monsters in Gotham?" Dale teased.

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She paused, as if thinking that one over.

"If that would get me out of doing paperwork..."

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"Well there'd just be more of it if when you came back," Dale pointed out with some amusement. "Unless of course you had a deathwish."

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"I don't think we have to worry about that happening," Renee said, sitting back and pushing the report away. Only so much she could do before wanting to throw it.

A coffee break sounded good.

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Dale cocked his head and studied Renee for a moment. "Why Detective Montoya," he said looking amused, "I do believe you've had a spiritual awakening."

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"What makes you say that, Agent Cooper?" She asked, not really denying it.

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Dale just gave her a grin. "Let's just say you seem to be more... centered than you were before."

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"I had a lot of time to figure things out."

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"Did you find the answers you were looking for?" Dale asked.

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"No." She smiled at that. "But I did find the right questions."

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"Those are usually harder to find than the right answers," Dale said warmly. "You still haven't told me about your trip to Tibet."

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"I was training most of the time there," She admitted. "I'd like to go back another time..."

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"I have to admit I find myself thinking of going back again," Dale said with a look of nostalgia on his face. "I hope someday their people can regain their freedom and the Dalai Llama can return."

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Smiling and shaking her head, Renee stood and got herself a fresh cup of coffee. "You should take some time off and go back..."

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"Well if I left, who would make the coffee?" Dale joked. "What Ralph does with a coffee machine shouldn't happen to a sick dog."

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"I think I could muddle through it," Renee told him, stifling a laugh.

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"Mud is exactly what it would be," Dale said shaking his head. "I don't think I could let my fellow colleagues down like that."

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Okay, there was no way to keep from laughing at that one. "I suppose we're stuck with you then."

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"I suppose so," Dale said sitting down in his chair and leaning back. "Hopefully my presence won't be a burden to you all."

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"You bring us coffee," Renee reminded him. "I doubt that's possible."

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"Even when I'm a wise and toothless old man?" Dale replied. "Wandering around the station in a threadbare suit?"

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"We might give you a watch as you retire then."

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"I see how it is," Dale joked. "Use me for my abilities and toss me away once I'm too old."

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"We could always let you stick around," Renee suggested. "Maybe sweep up."

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"I'll be indebted to your future kindness and compassion," Dale laughed.

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Renee shot him a winning grin. "I'd expect the same from you."

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"I don't know..." Dale said raising an eyebrow. "Does this mean I'd have to share my broom with you?"

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"I will be getting you a nice watch," Renee reminded him.

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"Well I suppose we could work out an equitable time sharing program for the sweeping," Dale joked.

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Renee shook her head. "Maybe get them to buy two brooms?"

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"Well sure, if you want to be all logical about the situation."