http://grumpywordsmith.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] grumpywordsmith.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] milliways_bar2006-10-12 06:46 pm

(no subject)

The Front Door opens to allow a small rubber ball to come bouncing into the bar.

"Sam!"

"Sam! Do I have to do everything around here?"

Moments later, a grumbling White House Director of Communications comes into the bar. Not that he's noticed--he's too absorbed in scowling at the sheaf of papers he has in his hand. He reaches down automatically for the ball, which has come to rest against a chair leg, and only as he rises back up does he notice where he is. Just in time to hear the Door slam shut behind him.

"Not again!"

[identity profile] fiveroundsrapid.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
"You sound," says a terribly English voice, "rather like I felt not five minutes ago. I take it this was also an unlooked-for visit?"

He's sitting over at one of the tables not far from the door, still in uniform, rather pointedly avoiding a view of the Observation Window.

[identity profile] fiveroundsrapid.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
"I should certainly hope not. I can't imagine I'd keep my commission very long if I were," says the Brigadier tartly. "I was supposed to be compiling a final report on the situation back home to my superiors, and I found myself here for the fifth time in less than a week."

[identity profile] fiveroundsrapid.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
"Considering that the last time I was brought here against my will I was about to lead an armed squad of men in search of the people who'd shot the security chief and murdered one of the scientists at an experimental nuclear power facility, I believe I can sympathise," says the Brig. "You might as well sit. I don't expect this blasted place will let either of us go anywhere for a bit."

[identity profile] fiveroundsrapid.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
The hand is firmly shaken.

"Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart, United Nations Intelligence Taskforce." Pause, while he runs over the last few American presidents in his head. "1970."

[identity profile] fiveroundsrapid.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
"It's entirely possible you haven't," the Brigadier concedes. "I've heard from a number of people from your time frame who've never heard of us, and some who have. I don't intend to let it alter anything on my end of affairs.'

[identity profile] fiveroundsrapid.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
He smiles, just a little. "I think it's safest to say we're tasked with monitoring, analysing, and responding to planetary threats in general. We do seem to've attracted a bit of unwelcome attention along the way."

There; that's simple enough, isn't it?

[identity profile] fiveroundsrapid.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
Probably, yes. One's brain has better survival instincts than one might think sometimes.

"Britain, as it happens," the Brigadier says. "Our members in various countries are seconded from the host country's military and are still bound to obey that chain of command. Conflicting orders get resolved in Geneva."

[identity profile] not-broomboy.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
"It doesn't just happen to you."

[identity profile] not-broomboy.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
"Quite a while ago, but considering that my government was trying to kill me, I'd say I lucked out."

[identity profile] not-broomboy.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
He gives him a rather flat look.

"I'm not from Earth at all. I'm an Ozian, thank you much, and while my country isn't exactly fruit and roses, it's certainly not the sort of place that would produce people from Kansas."

[identity profile] not-broomboy.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
"That's one way to put it. I've gone back, but only to... well, it ended up being to pick up my daughter, but otherwise, I'm not particularly interested in being there. So I wouldn't exactly call it stuck."

Hmm.

"There's beer here at least."

Not that he drinks it.

[identity profile] not-broomboy.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 01:04 am (UTC)(link)
"I don't drink. It only makes it worse."

Yes, getting disconnected from the present all by yourself can really make the end of the universe even worse.

"And really, this place is not nearly so bad as home."

[identity profile] not-broomboy.livejournal.com 2006-10-13 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm someone who's well aware that the Emperor is a rapist and a murderer," and my uncle.

He'll leave out the bit about setting the bridge on fire and blowing up the Basilica. It just doesn't sound good to strangers.