Advanced Weaponry Test (with bonus satellite features).

[eureka_npcs]

Jack never liked school. He was good enough at it to work his way up to US Marshal, of course, but the bonus of that was in between law memorization and the bizarrely mandatory higher mathematics courses, there was weapons training.

It balanced out.

What wasn't balancing out at the moment was Jack's attention on the far-too-ominous stack of stapled paper.

A paper test. About guns. Life was not fair.

With a huff, Jack caps his standard-issue ballpoint to place it down on his standard-issue desk, and he handed it to his deputy across the police station office to grade.

Comments

[eureka_npcs]

Jack stands with his mouth agape, tossing a finger to point at the JR-414 Self-Defense Stunner --

-- or the twin-barrel F-26.

Crap.

"I have to know every gun in the rack?!"

[eureka_npcs]

She sends the rack back from whence it came and turns to glare at him.

"And what? You should get special treatment because you’re the Sheriff?"

[eureka_npcs]

"I see what’s going on here."

He'd been hoping not to deal with this, but it was to be expected after all.

"I know you feel you were passed over when they brought me in as Sheriff."

[eureka_npcs]

She bristles.

"And yet, I aced the exam the first time."

Uh-huh. Beat that, almighty Sheriff Man.

[eureka_npcs]

"Jo, it’s not a contest. I was assigned here by Washington. If you have an issue, take it up with them."

Grabby hands being flicked toward the remote on Jo's desk. "And give me the remote."

[eureka_npcs]

It isn't malice in her smile, it's righteousness.

"Happy to."

The remote goes back to her desk.

"After you pass the exam. It’s regulation, Carter."

[eureka_npcs]

As a very young child, Jack Carter used to stomp his foot when he didn't get his way.

It's a physical reflex, and it's a strong will that stop it from happening this time.

"Okay, Jo? I’m the sheriff, which means I need your trust, I need your respect, and most importantly, I need the remote to the freaking gun rack!"

[eureka_npcs]

"Sorry. You can’t enforce the rules if you’re not willing to follow them first."

She lifts the thick as a brick textbook and passes it over to Carter.

"Better hit the books." Jo drops the book on the table before Carter can get a hold of it. And now the smile is pure victory.

[eureka_npcs]

Jack gives up his restraint and momentarily snarls in Jo's direction before slinking back off to his desk. Not giving his deputy the satisfaction of watching him crack open the manual for the upteenth time, he pulls out his PDA and starts checking his email.

They've both more or less settled back into their routines when the phone rings.

And rings.

[eureka_npcs]

Jo ignores it. Ringing is annoying, but watching Carter fidget is worth it. Finally, she decides to add the coup de grace.

"You’re the Sheriff, it must be for you."

[eureka_npcs]

With a grunt, the sheriff picks up the phone.

"Jack Carter. Hold on – who’s being too loud? Spencer?" Pause. "Yeah, it’s Friday night, did you ask him to keep it down?" Suddenly defensive. "No, I’m not shirking my responsibilities. As a matter of fact, I’ll send my deputy over right away." Grin. "Not a problem, alright, bye."

To the deputy: "Spencer’s movie night is getting a little rowdy."

[eureka_npcs]

"I handled it last time."

She's not going let him get away with bullying her. She has guns.

[eureka_npcs]

Beatific smile. "Oh good then you know the way."

Don't let the door hit you in the assault rifle on your way out.

[eureka_npcs]

Hell hath no fury like a deputy being sent out on a milk run. Sheriff Carter, do you really think pissing off the woman with the gun rack control is wise?

"You know what they say about payback, right?"

She sashays out.

[eureka_npcs]

Watching Jo leave: "She's a bitch?"

Jack doesn't know if she heard him or not, but he's sure that he'll get a full report of events later.

Whether he wants it or not.