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Callen, G. (g_callen) wrote in omega_reality,
@ 2011-03-17 00:12:00

Entry tags:

*complete, 2011 03, character: g callen, dead: abby sciuto

RP: Callen and Abby
Who: G Callen and Abby Sciuto
Where: Abby's cell
When: Thursday, March 17, 2011 - just after 07:00
Summary: Abby still needs training and there's no one else Hetty can ask at the moment.

Seeing Abby in a jail cell first thing in the morning was not high on G's list of 'things I want to do before I die'. But, Abby had refused to work with Sam and Hetty didn't have another option for the time being. As long as she was alive and in their care, they needed her to be able to keep up with the rest of them physically in case things went south quickly -- which they very well could if the intel that had them prepping to keep an eye on the parade that morning panned out in the worst ways possible. And, no matter their differences of opinion, Abby was still one of theirs and, therefore, his responsibility for survival.

So, skipping his usual morning run in order to prep for the op ahead of time, he made his way to the jail and Abby.

He had Sam's list, via Hetty, and he could add a few things of his own to the 'how to turn whatever is handy into a lethal weapon' list. What was more important was getting her in shape, which would take some creativity. They could have equipment brought in, or they could make her work for it of her own volition. G would see what tactic was better after he talked to her. And then he could figure out actual training.

"I hope you can hear reveille from here," he said lightly, entering the cell. G was approaching this from the belief that Hetty had said to come down, so it was a given. If Abby wanted to argue it or throw him out, well, he'd spent four days, ninety-six hours, sitting in Savannah's hotel room. He could out stubborn Abby Sciuto, too, if Hetty asked it of him. "I left my bugle at home. Apologies for the early visit, but it's the only time I could make today and I didn't want to wait too long to come see you after Hetty asked me to take over your physical training. We can work out a more regular schedule when I come back tomorrow with the next batch of books for you to keep up with your assignments. Ready to get started?"

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goth_abby
2011-03-17 11:59 pm UTC (link)

While she was sleeping more than when she was on the Omega-Pow, Abby still only slept for about 6 hours each night. Her mind was still busy despite the lack of caffeine. Thoughts about her friends back home, her friends there, the things she learned from the books as well as her research from before she ended up in prison. Still in certain moments, she was able to organize the thoughts enough to work through some things. The isolation was both a curse and a blessing. She hated not having someone around to talk to, yet she welcomed the time she didn't have to work so hard at not losing herself.

However, if Sam's visit was any clue, Abby shouldn't have been surprised when Callen came in to the cell first thing in the morning to demand she work out. I'm supposed to be de-stressing, not adding to the stress, she thought. There are more enjoyable ways to work out than running and doing push-ups

"I told Sam to bring in and leave whatever he wanted," she answered, not getting up from her sitting position on the bed.

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g_callen
2011-03-18 02:57 am UTC (link)

G kept his expression carefully neutral, not giving voice to or indication of the sigh that wanted out as she seemed back on the sullen defensive he thought they'd gotten past after the trip to Bear Mountain. That was the only reason he'd told Hetty it was worth a shot to let him try when the small Deputy Director asked him to take over for Sam with Abby.

"I don't know what you said to Sam," he replied calmly. "Hetty said she needed someone else to oversee your training while you were on leave." He didn't know if they'd found something medically wrong with her, or if it really was, as it had sounded when Vance informed him of what happened, the latest stage in the discipline issues they'd been having for the last three months. But, that was what they were officially calling this -- medical leave. So, G would play by that story, whatever the facts were. "She asked me to do it. I know you were having trouble in self-defense. So, I thought basic physical fitness would be a better way to ease into things."

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goth_abby
2011-03-18 03:31 am UTC (link)

If I'm on leave, shouldn't that excuse me from training? she wondered. It wasn't as if Abby wasn't doing anything. Yoga was a physical activity, just not aerobic exercise. Tilting her head, Abby looked at G. "Are you one of the those people who actually enjoys running?" she asked, frowning slightly. "I'd prefer bowling, but I bet bowling isn't an approved activity. Plus, you couldn't fit a full lane in this room."

Did it ever occur to them that I don't have a problem with self-defense, but rather the instructor's method of teaching? Because killing someone is not the only way to defend yourself. "So, why don't you tell me what is on the approved list?"

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g_callen
2011-03-18 03:45 am UTC (link)

"Two to three hours every morning," G confirmed with an unapologetic grin. "And that's before we do the group runs." Of course, he couldn't go full out on the base and push the limits of his new speed, but he'd always enjoyed running. He'd spent most of his life running, after all. "Only way it gets easier, though, is to keep at it, build your endurance."

Now, if only that worked for puzzling out what Abby meant when she said things. Because if the more time he spent at it made it easier to understand, he should be blasted genius by now. "Approved list? You'd have to take that up with Hetty. I've never seen any jail that allowed bowling. You'd have inmates beating each other over the head with the pins and dropping the balls on each others' chests. Nor would it really suit our purposes.

"But, if by approved list you mean the types of exercise they're expecting you to do while you're here, the answer is the same as what we've been training in as a group before now -- aerobic, cardio, endurance, strength training. All those things you'll be tested on come May."

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goth_abby
2011-03-18 03:36 pm UTC (link)

She raised an eyebrow at him. Running was not fun, especially when one had to run in the snow/rain/bad weather. "Easier does not always equal enjoyable," she said. "Easier just means more tedious."

With a small head shake, she finally showed some sign of a smile. "I was thinking more of a metaphorical list," Abby pointed out. "And just who am I supposedly beating over the head? It's just me in this room."

As soon as the morning 'training' session was no longer mandatory, Abby had stopped going. The point of running six miles was useless since the likelihood she'd be wearing those shoes was non-existent, so being able to run that far doesn't didn't mean anything when she wore 4 inch platform shoes daily.

"You and I both know none of that is high on my priority list and I am willing to speculate that you don't want to be here anymore than I want you here," she said. "So, I'll make you a deal. If I can get unescorted shower access and music, I promise to do all that stuff from the first few weeks for at least 45 minutes every day. In addition to what I've already been doing."

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g_callen
2011-03-18 04:28 pm UTC (link)

G just shook his head, wondering when she had gotten the impression that anything they were doing was supposed to be fun. It was survival. No more. No less. "Easier just means easier." Shrugging, he still maintained his calm. There was no point arguing with her now she was in here. Again. "Enjoying it really isn't the point."

"As you pointed out, this room is too small for a lane," he said easily. "And I was speaking of jails in general."

When she kept speaking, it was all G could do to keep his expression that same neutral calm instead of staring at her like she'd grown a second head. Was she really trying to bargain with him for privileges? Clearly the concept of 'jail' didn't register, or the seriousness of the fact Vance had sent her here to begin with. "I don't want you to be here. I've been sent a lot worse places for my job than to visit you in a jail cell. What have you been doing already?"

He wasn't actually hopeful it was anything useful and forty-five minutes was not going to be long enough for what she'd be able to do in a cell. But, he'd humor her until he knew more.

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goth_abby
2011-03-18 07:45 pm UTC (link)

That's obvious, she said to herself. Losing motivation for an activity is less likely when enjoyed. Abby knew their reasons; it was shoved down her throat every day. Still, running was not the only source of aerobic and endurance training out there; it just seemed like the most convenient.

"Still doesn't answer the question," she said, remembering Sam saying something about weights needing to be supervised. "If there were any heavy object in here, just who am I supposedly beating over the head?"

Before she could stop herself, she replied, "No, you want me out there learning 17 different ways to kill a man with my bare hands. A skill that I'll never use." Waving her hands at him because it was a discussion she's had over and over again without a change in the basic response. Learn how to kill or you'll be responsible for everyone else's death.

"Excluding the pacing around at various speeds which may or may not include skipping at certain intervals, I've mostly do vinyasa yoga with some ashtanga poses mixed in. A full ashtanga routine takes about an hour to an hour and half."

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g_callen
2011-03-18 09:45 pm UTC (link)

"The question was beside the point because it was based off an assumptive interpretation of my general statement that had nothing to do with your specific situation." This wasn't even apples and oranges, but apples and grenades. "However, unless the cell is completely devoid of humanity, there's always someone you could hurt."

And the grenades kept coming. Raising an eyebrow, he waited until she stopped waving her hands at him before he said anything. "No," he said tonelessly. "I'd rather you were back in D.C. where you'd be Jethro's responsibility. But, Life doesn't always give us what we want, does it? So, we're here and you're in jail and my job is to train you. For the time being, as I said when I came in here, that's physical fitness training. So, your resistance to survival training is also beside the point."

Yoga.

For a moment, G wondered if he ought to ask Deeks if there was such a thing as a goth yoga bunny.

"Right. Then limbering you up isn't a problem. We just need to get your metabolism up and build up your strength." Nodding to himself, G bit back the impulse to ask if she took those damn boots of hers off to do it. "Unfortunately, I don't have any control over what you're asking. So, I can't make you that deal." But, his interrogator's instincts were up now, sensing weakness, and he risked pushing her a little to see if he'd get something resembling a logical answer. "Is there a particular reason you refuse to do even the most basic physical exercise? Or is it really just being as stubborn and uncooperative as it makes you sound?"

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goth_abby
2011-03-19 12:34 am UTC (link)

It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him if he truly believed that she would hurt someone, but she stopped herself when the memory of biting the Phantom popped into her head. Better question would be whether or not he believed she would hurt one of them.

Abby frowned; she wanted to be back in DC with Gibbs. Before her head flooded with memories of her absent father-figure, she listened to Callen and sighed. Maybe when survival training doesn't go hand in hand with lessons on killing people, I'll be more productive.

Did I or did I not just promise to do all of that? "Did you consider the fact that after every workout you'd have to escort me to the shower?" she asked. "That's a little creepy. It would be like my brother standing outside the door and listening to me while I'm...you know?"

With a tilt of her head, she raised an eyebrow at him. "What if I promise to do an hour? The push-ups, sit-ups, running, hitting a punching bag. Will you talk to Hetty about getting me an unescorted shower?" Of course, music always made things better, but Abby would be willing to exercise without it for a random shower time.

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g_callen
2011-03-19 04:34 am UTC (link)

This was going nowhere. She was behaving as if this was some stupid reality television show where you bargained your way out of trouble with bribes to the tribal chief or whatever stupid name they used. Until she could understand she was in serious trouble, there didn't seem to be any helping her.

And G was on a schedule. He had an op to run.

"No, I didn't consider that because it wouldn't happen." Nor was G going to even touch the mental image of brothers and showers and...no. If he didn't have time for her weedling, he certainly didn't have time for her twisted imaginings.

"In case it's escaped your notice," he pointed out, exasperation beginning to color his voice, "you're in jail. You shower when the people in charge of the jail allow it. You are escorted there by whomever they choose, which given the situation is probably Hetty, and if she deems it necessary to escort you personally, nothing I say is going to change her mind. It's simply not in my power to even discuss options on that with you.

"This isn't a vacation. There's no making side deals to get around the rules here. I would have thought your first stay here would have taught you that. But, apparently not enough because your behavior has landed you here again. You are here. And I've been asked to train you because you already refused to work with Sam and this little bargaining game of yours is just another way to refuse because all you're saying is that you'll only do it if we do something for you. The thing is, you lost the right to ask for us to do anything to please you when you got yourself put back in here -- which only leads me to wonder why you're so adamant against training. But, you even refused to answer me when I ask the question. So, I will be here every morning to train with you. We'll start with physical fitness and then incorporate more of the self defense as we get your endurance up.

"Starting tomorrow as your attempts at buying privileges have eaten up most of the time I could spare this morning and I have other responsibilities to see to today that can't wait."

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goth_abby
2011-03-19 02:46 pm UTC (link)

Abby was fully aware that she wasn't on vacation; vacations meant she had her own clothing and shoes to wear. It was also clear that she still saw her as a flight risk. "And just where am I going to escape to? I have nowhere else to go!" Besides, no one cares what happens to me.

Frustrations over Callen's words and his constant pushing was just sending her further away from what little stress-free time she managed to give herself. "Do you have selective hearing?" she snapped at him. "Have I said the words, 'No, I won't do that'?"

She had been trying not to lose it, but it was too much for her. "Asking for the shower was so I could train on my own because I can't do it with someone standing over me and pushing. That's all anyone ever does; they push and push and push. Sam just pushed and pushed to point where I'd rather be tortured and kill than stay here! And you are doing the same thing. Just pushing and pushing."

Abby buried her head in hands. She was supposed to be getting better, but instead of giving her the time and space she needed they just kept on pushing. "Just...I don't matter, so just do whatever you're going to do anyways." She gave up; her life was completely meaningless and nothing was ever going to change.

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g_callen
2011-03-19 07:26 pm UTC (link)

"There are more reasons for being watched than escape, Abby. You're a smart girl. Figure it out." Before it became necessary to leave her behind, G didn't say. He still hoped it wouldn't come to that. She was a pain in the ass, but she was still one of them.

G snorted. There were days he really missed interrogating terrorists. They made more sense and had better insults. "You haven't said 'yes, I will' unconditionally, either. Saying 'I'll do it if you do me a favor' isn't the same."

The rest just made no sense to G. What did having a shower have to do with training on her own? Did she really think she was the only one being pushed? Maybe Sam was right about her. That had to be one of the most selfish and insensitive things he'd ever heard anyone say -- and given his line of work and the sort of people he dealt with on the job, that was saying something.

"Do you ever listen to yourself?" he asked coldly. There were very few things in this world G absolutely had no patience for and self-pity, woe is me, the world is too hard bullshit was right at the top. "I mean really listen, so you can hear the self-pity? Does anything anyone says register in your brain? The reasons we push? And push everyone, not just you. Do you honestly think you're the only one in a crap situation here? You think you don't matter because you aren't getting special treatment. No one is saying 'Poor Abby, she didn't ask for this.' Or giving you kisses and comfits. So, you must not matter, is that it?

"No one asked for this. No one wants to be here or doing this. But, no one else is throwing childish temper tantrums because life is unfair. People younger and less experienced than you are stepping up and doing what they have to in order for everyone to survive without bitching that life is unfair and people are mean. 'Cause guess what? Life is unfair. And people suck. And no one is going to help you if you can't make an effort to help yourself first. But, you? You'd rather be tortured and killed. You'd rather go through inhumane torment and pain that leaves you wishing someone would ask you a question just so you could give them an answer and make it stop. You'd rather give up and die than fight for yourself or the people around you with the misguided belief you deserve their affection.

"All because someone pushed you and you don't have the strength of character to push back."

And he didn't even yell. She'd pushed him to yelling before. But, this. This didn't deserve the passion or depth of caring yelling would require. He looked at her and he just felt cold disgust. "Fine. You want to be left alone so you can tell yourself no one cares without reality smacking you in the ass? You got it. Hetty said she'd authorized Sam to bring in equipment. I'll bring it in this weekend. You'll have your unsupervised training with no one to push you."

If only he could make that permanent. But, he still had a job to do.

"And then I'll be back in one week and you'll be tested. If you're improving, you get to continue training on your own for another week. And then we repeat the process. You get three weeks to yourself so long as you prove through the tests that you are actually putting in an effort. After that you will resume the rest of your self defense training. Maybe by then you'll be lucky and someone else will be willing to put up with you."

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