Well, this is.. horrible.

[reconstitution]

Who: SS Caprine & visitors
Broadcast: ???
Action: All aboard
When: 8/3


[Dread is probably not a good feeling to have in the face of actually having something resembling a 'team' now. Unfortunately, the way this place seems to love uprooting and depositing people out of nowhere into unfamiliar territory, and it sets him on edge.

His eyes narrow as he looks around yet another place he's unaccustomed, being bombarded by-- colorful shreds of paper and overly-cheerful music. And even more people. Once again, he longs for the familiar weight of a weapon in his hand, but this fleet just loves to suck the comfort out.

At least this is a more permanent residence? Time would tell on that one.]

Comments

[redactions]

[ He nods, absently. ]

At ease. Now, about poker...?

[reconstitution]

[ He offers a hum in reply. ]

Show me?

[redactions]

Sure. Sit down.

​​​​[ There's no chairs, just space on the floor where his abandoned Solitaire game is. Jim deals out the cards, explaining as slowly and thoroughly as he can, repeating or clarifying anything that causes confusion to cross the Soldier's face. He's more expressive than he thinks. ]

And a straight flush beats four of a kind. Got it?

[reconstitution]

[ He takes a seat, listening attentively as Jim explains the rules and the card's values. He thinks he's caught on fairly quickly, and something about it seems familiar, though he knows he's never played before.

That had always been the members of STRIKE when away on long-winded missions. He's definitely grateful for his counterpart's attentiveness in his reluctance to ask for clarification. ]

I..believe so. And a.. royal flush beats a straight flush?

[redactions]

​​​​[ He nods. ]

That's right. It's the highest hand you can get — s'why a lotta folks cheat at poker with a hand of four aces.

[reconstitution]

That..makes sense. I believe I understand now.

[ It's a completely different feeling from learning a fighting maneuver or the ins-and-outs of a weapon. This type of knowledge is throw-away and yet he's grateful for it. It's something else he can focus on while he is idle.]

[redactions]

Good.

​​​​[ He smiles, in what he hopes is an encouraging way. ]

We need four for poker, so here, I'll teach you Solitaire. You can play by yourself, it passes the time.

[reconstitution]

[ He hands the cards back, shifting slightly so that he can watch. He doubts that he'll play the game by himself, but it's good to know the option is still there... ]

Ready for the next exercise.

[redactions]

Good.

​​​​[ He keeps saying it, even though he's not a hopeful man. ]

Here.

​​​​[ He teaches Yukon first, then the Klondike Deals, answering any questions the Soldier might have about them. After all, it's just about spotting patterns and rearranging cards. It's child's play. ]

[reconstitution]

[ He decides he likes the strategy in this game a bit more than all the rigid rules of poker, though he would like a chance to practice in the future. If Jim is amicable to it, at least.

It's easier to catch on, and this one isn't so reliant upon the luck of the draw as it is planning your moves. ]

Are there more?

[redactions]

Yeah, a lot of different types. The principle is the same. I don't know all of 'em, though.

[reconstitution]

..I'd like to learn. [ A quick look to Jim's face. ]

If you will permit me to.

[redactions]

Yes, I do.

[ A pause, and he adds, ]

If I believe it's of benefit to your mission, I'll offer to teach you anything you need to know. Acknowledged?

[ If the Soldier will have him. He can't explain why his heart twists at the idea that the man might say no. ]

[reconstitution]

Acknowledged.

[ He really hopes that Jim has more to show him so that ensures that they will have more meetings like this one. He likes the quiet and the positive reinforcement. It makes him feel like he's actually doing something right. ]

[redactions]

Good.

[ with a small, pleased smile. ]

That's it for today then. Keep the cards, they're a gift. If you have any questions, call. Don't be concerned about waking me up. I don't need that much sleep.

[reconstitution]

[ He opens his mouth to argue about waking him with a call, but closes his mouth and nods instead. He's grateful for the option. So far, sleep hasn't really come easily. Or at all. ]

Yes, sir.

[redactions]

[ He nods when the Soldier doesn't move to protest or afford commentary. ]

Next report at 0700H tomorrow. Dismissed.

[reconstitution]

Acknowledged, sir. 0700.