14406/The proof is not out there.

The proof is not out there.
Date of Scene:	21 May 2022
Location:	Pelham, Queensland Park
Synopsis:	Looking for clues about the Terminators, Clint meets Sarah and Nick.
Cast of Characters:	Hawkeye (Barton), Phantasm (Drago), Sarah Connor

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Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
A few months ago, when meeting with Sarah Connor, Hawkeye had the chance - really? - to meet with a real Terminator. After a short but intense chase through the diner where they had rendez-voued to meet, the kill-bent replicant had been dealt with.

Although he did take the time to write a damn AARs about the Terminators, it didn't seem that this threat was a top priority for SHIELD. Well, if the organization wasn't concerned about such things as Terminators, the Avenger was.

Since his social skills had been hardly challenged while trying to obtain more information from Sarah Connor, the archer had decided to return on the location where they terminated a Terminator, to try and see if he could find some clues on the matter. Who knows? A piece of technology, an electronic chip? Although Sarah did say she would "clean up" the site afterward, looking around beat reading AARs no one cared about.

The back alley behind the diner is deserted, aside from a cat napping on the dumpster.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Well, after a brief, unplanned side trip to Latveria. Nick had opted to try and make the rest of his week quiet. And what's more quiet than going to a diner he knows Sarah is no longer working at?

Apparently some people didn't learn from the hot dog incident because Nick had a list of 'Since you're going to a diner could you pick up...' request items.

Nick Drago. Actor. Rock Star.

Food Delivery service.

Someone up there is laughing.

So it is sheer dumb luck that Nick encounters Clint as he's preparing for his dumpster dive. A curious glance is given to the archer.

Sarah Connor has posed:
Sarah had dropped into the diner to pick up her last check. Of course the manager begged her to consider coming back.

"Maybe." Sarah had actually liked her job here. But between the SHIELD agents, and the terminator finding her there..? Mmm..

Then again on her first day at the new job - what did she bump into? Another agent. What the heck??

Taking the back door out to the alleyway, she looked around. Well she /would/ have if Clint and Nick weren't there. Fuck.. Then again, what were they looking for?

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
He hears the footsteeps behind him. Not heavy ones, not rushed ones. Casual. If he hadn't adjusted his hearing-aid lately, he could have missed the sound.

Glancing over his shoulder, Clint raises an eyebrow as he sees Nick. "Ah for crisssake," he says in a light tone indicating that he's not mad or otherwise before turning his attention back to the dumpster, "Don't tell me SHIELD has you watching me?" Beat. "Oh, and hi by the way."

Did the archer catch the door opening, and Sarah? Hard to say, since she's used to remaining unnoticed. In any case, Clint doesn't give any indication that he saw her.

"Garbage day," Clint says, "We finished a Term in here, some time ago. So hey, maybe I'd be lucky and find something of interest. These mannequins from the future are real dangerous."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Hey." Nick holds up the order request list. "I doubt I'd be the one being sent to watch you. Just getting food." He supplies for an explanation for getting here. He glances over to the dumpster area. "Term?" It takes a moment before locational context catches up. "...Oh. Just how long ago was that? If the trash is still the same as then, I'd probably have questions about this diner's pickup schedule."

Sarah Connor has posed:
What are the odds of anything remaining from that day? It's not like they scrubbed down between pickups! Then again, it would happen to be /who/ got the terminator. The garbage man couldn't care less about the bin. Someone else might though!

Still, they were looking, so Sarah stayed back and watched, from the doorway.

Really, if they turned a bit /just so../ they would have seen her there.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
With a shrug, the archer looks around the dumpster, not disturbing the angry looking cat not napping anymore on top of it. It takes a moment to do the visual, and of course, nothing of interest is found. Only the dumpster itself remains to be examined, but for some reason, the archer doesn't look too keen on doing that. He might have ordered it seized and inspected by SHIELD, who knows.

As he turns around to face Nick after his quick investigation, the archer finally spots Sarah in the doorway.

It is a small world.

His facial expression remains neutral. Since he didn't come here to find or interrogate her, he's not engaging the conversation. Up to her if she wants to chat. It's a free country, last he checked, and people can go wherever they are allowed to. Nonetheless, he waves his hand, letting her know that he had seen her.

"Of course, the bin has long been emptied," Clint states, frowning. "But there might be residual evidence. It will be taken care of. Don't worry. And if there's nothing, then so be it."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Hmm ok. Well. Happy diving." It is quite clear from that well wish that Nick has no intention of helping with that particular task. Perhaps this is why others are trusting him with picking up their food. No random impulses to go wandering around in trash prior to handling. "I better put the order in."

The musician starts to turn towards the restaurant. Upon seeing Sarah, he pauses. "...I thought you quit working here." The musician states to Sarah.

Sarah Connor has posed:
Ah! And there it is: the realization that Sarah is looking at them. What's interesting: he doesn't seem to be worried about her. ..So far.

Walking out from the doorway, "I had a cheque." Of course, she wouldn't trust her cheques to be mailed to her! "What did you guys find?"

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint walks toward the door, stopping a few feet away from it, shrugging. "Nothing," Clint answers Sarah, "But I'll have the dumpster analyzed, just in case." Beat. "Headsup, they'll come get it in around two hours." Up to Sarah to make herself scarce by then if she feels like it.

Scratching the back of his head, the archer adds, "The organization," meaning SHIELD, "Doesn't seem too keen on following up on the matter. As for myself, my main concern remains about possible casualties." And so he has no question to ask Sarah. Or if he does, he's not asking anything.

"I tagged the dumpster," he says, "So I'm done. Ready for coffee. Anyone up for joining?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick holds the paper in his hand up. "A chore list." He replies back in answer for what he found. Is it what she meant? Nope. But it's the first thing that came to mind. He glances over to Clint before looking back to Sarah, "Sheer coincidence we're here at the same time actually. But, I'm good for a coffee break." He continues walking to the diner entrance, "It's going to take time to get that order filled anyways."

Sarah Connor has posed:
"The FBI are looking for me." Sure, she shouldn't have told him. But he's a SHIELD Agent. The odds of him having looked around for her background were slim. Especially with the information: SHIELD doesn't seem to want to bring her in.=

Why? She isn't certain about it. But there you have it.

Nick almost made her laugh. Almost. "I can have a coffee, sure."

When they came in, Maria called over her shoulder, as if she was working there, "Give number two their orders, if you don't mind. I'm swamped! Tell your friend to sit here!" Maria wiped the booth down. "Oh, bring them some coffee too - on the house!"

"See what I mean?" Sarah gets number two their plates.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Yes, the place is quite busy, and the archer is glad he won't have to wait thirty minutes for a coffee. Sitting at the designated booth, he glances at the menu. Ordering would make their stay longer, but hey, he's in no rush. A good two hours before the dumpster pick-up is to happen.

"I dunno for you," he says, not addressing any of them in particular, "But I'd kill for a plate of nachos." Then he makes a face, frowning. "Bad choice of words, I wouldn't kill for it."

The archer is quite relaxed, visibly not overly concerned by anything. Well, yeah, he keeps glancing towards the door, maybe remembering the first time he had been there to meet Sarah when a Term decided that killing her was more interesting than chatting.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
With the quick table assignment given Nick slides in the booth. Considering he's not sure how long the others are going to be stuck there, he figures he's got a little bit of time before he actually needs to put the food order in. Heck, if he plays this right, people won't keep asking him to do these types of pickups.

But then again they forgave the lack of hot dogs earlier so...eh.

"I wouldn't go that far for nachos." Nick admits, "Now, for a really good slice of pizza-" He pauses, allowing time the sentence first get subconciously completed by the companions before he continues. "I'd be willing to pay for without using a coupon."

Yep. high stakes there.

Sarah Connor has posed:
"Fat chance. What do you think I work here?" Sarah's eyes crinkles up at the edges. But nowhere else. "What do you want, Nick?"

She hasn't yet sat down. It almost looks like she's going to take their order.

"The only pizza they have is for the kids meals." The way she shakes her head doesn't bode well for the taste of it. "Nachos it is." She dekes off to order them, and very soon she returns and takes a seat with a good spot between her and the doorway, and several mirrors.

"I don't get it. Not only does it sound like you aren't taking me in. You're not telling.. you know who.. where I can be found?"

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Oh, kids pizza? No, thanks. Grinning, the archer gently puts his large hand on Nick's shoulder, "Next time, I'll invite you for a real pizza, the best in town, at Gino's." This is a promise.

Then Clint looks back as Sarah sits down, having placed their order.

"I don't think I ever planned to /take you in/, Sarah," the archer states, and which is true. "I"m not an agent of the /organization/ to the core. I'm above all, an Avenger," which is said in a lower voice so this should remain betweem them. "As such, anyone or anything that threatens the people of this planet, will find me standing in front of them, ready to kick their sorry asses." He pauses, then adds, "I never had, and don't have anything against you. It's the stupid mannequins from the future that I want to protect people from."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"And that is why you specify 'Good' when describing food preferences." Nick states with a sigh after Sarah confirms the pizza here is not that great.

Nick watches as Sarah walks off, glancing over to Clint. "I'm going to hold you to that offer, you know." He warns, "I'm a little surprised you didn't get the onion rings again."

He looks back over to Sarah as she returns and makes her comment about why they're not taking her in. Clint gives good reasons. "I also figure we've established by now that I'm not one of theirs so- why would I?"

Sarah Connor has posed:
Sarah sits back and contemplates. "I've never killed a human being." She was quite certain about that. All these years, as far as she knew, she'd never killed anyone. Hurt, yes. Killed, no.

She shrugs, as she looks at Nick. "How should I know? Most people would sell out their spouses to keep people from looking at them. Besides, you know who isn't my big problem. And frankly if the terms were after you I wouldn't blame you for telling them anything they wanted if it keeps you alive.'

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
The archer frowns, shaking his head. It seems that something needs clarification here.

"Sarah," he says quietly, "I'm not saying that you would kill anyone, even accidently. It's the... hrm, you know what, chasing around with murderous intent that could create collateral damage."

There's something that Sarah said which doesn't sit well with Hawkeye. Leaning forward so their conversation still remains between them, he states cleary, "Sarah, I went to the Ice Box, you know this super-vilain jail, twice. First time was to help my team redeem themselves. I did /not/ sell them, I kind of sold myself to save them. And the other time was to support a good friend on his crusade to help another friend. I do not sell people."

Not many people would be aware of Hawkeye being the leader of the then Thunderbolts, but some would remember him siding with Captain America when the Legend called upon his help.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick blinks as Sarah quickly denies killing someone. And honestly he had nothing to offer back to Sarah's assessment of him for the other part. There is no telling what he'd do in such a hypothetical situation because that's what it is. Hypothetical. He doubts it would be to sell Sarah out though.

So he takes the coffee that's been presented and picks it up, taking a sip as Clint addresses the murderbot elephant in the room. A glance is given to Clint as he mentions going to jail for friends.

Guess he could bring up the times that he's run into danger alongside, and sometimes after, Buffy. Or maybe going back to investigate that lab, or -

No. Those aren't his stories to tell.

Nick lowers the mug slightly, giving a sigh and an apologetic look to Sarah. "I'm sorry. I don't have any relevant stories to tell."

Sarah Connor has posed:
Sarah grows quiet. She knows most people wouldn't do it on purpose. Really they wouldn't. But against a terminator?

"Every time I've gotten close, they are put in danger because of me." And John. /Everything/ depends on keeping John safe until he can gather the Human Resistance and stop the terminators.

But she nods. Obviously he takes pride in not selling people out. The way that she does about not killing humans.

Maria bring out their nachos. Sarah is silent until she goes. "Where does it leave us then?" Looking between Clint and Nick.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Oh, Hawkeye has some ideas, but none that could have a practical or even positive outcome right away. The archer eyes the large plate of nachos, and thanks gawd, it has its side of sour cream. He helps himself as he mentally formulates his answer to Sarah. Their history of encounters proved that they aren't exactly on the same page, so he'll try to be clear. Try.

"I'm missing some variables here," he starts, "Like, are they in a unlimited number? Do they have a specific point of entry into our time? Could we have a way to detect them more accurately and sooner? You know, anything that could help stop them as much as possible." He's not talking about stopping them definitly, for he gets that this can only happen in the future.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods. Ok things he wouldn't have thought of. But his general thought was on a differnet matter. "On top of that, to repeat a past discussion you've made it pretty clear that your priority is still him. Then you should hedge your bets. If something happens to you. Do you know who takes care of him? Do they KNOW that's the case? Will they do it?" He glances to his mug, "He's already in the loop on what's going on, right?"

The container lifts to his lips, allowing him to sip once more.

Sarah Connor has posed:
"You know," begins Sarah, with her brow cocked. "I really meant how do we go on being sorta friends." She bites back friends; it's been too long since she's said it about people with regards to herself. "I didn't mean you should join the Human Resistance." Such as it is.

Without John being an adult, the Human Resistance was years off in the distance.

But Nick hits it over the head what really bothers her.

"So you know about him." Not a surprise. "He's almost 18." In a year. "That's the smallest amount I must live. More would be better. And yes, he is aware.. we've.. a few people who will take care of him."

Cameron. Derrick. To name a couple.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
It's not as if Hawkeye didn't care that Sarah lived or died. Yes of course, he also gets it that she needs to remain alive for their future not to be armageddonesque. Heck, the archer even cares that her son lives, for the same reason. But he kinda trust her to protect him directly.

Clint frowns at the mention of the Human Resistance to come. Time warps aren't really his cuppa, it gets complicated.

Far from rejecting the idea of being friends, Clint again takes his time before responding to that.

"I'd rather we be friends," he finally states. "We have a common goal after all. You want to live - which I'm totally for as well - while I want to try to stop as many of them Termites as possible to kill you or anyone else."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
When Sarah confirms he's already in the loop, he gives a nod. Confirming that she already made arrangements for others to take care of him should the worst happens gets another nod. "Ok. good."

The mug sets down. "I've got nothing against you, Sarah." He glances to the mug, "I wish you and them well. As far as friendship is concerned-" He pauses, "Well-" He drifts quiet. Seemingly forgetting what he was going to say. Or at least how he was going to say it. "Yeah that's fine."

Sarah Connor has posed:
Termites.

Sarah actually laughed. "If only they were that easy to stomp out." Unfortunately the terminators were definitely harder to kill. "Right. The numbers fluctuate. And because they do different things to prepare for D-day, they don't pop in one place."

God wouldn't that be great?!?

"Look." Sarah stares at Nick. "I get it. You've got no reason to befriend me. In fact it's probably easier if you don't."

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
It sounds less conspicuous to talk about termites than terminators. Especially when comes to time to plan their extermination. The archer grins as Sarah laughs.

"Yeah, I was afraid you'd confirm it," Clint replies, referring to their unlimited number and access points. "What about how to identify them? I know engineers that could probably create a termit detector if we had some basic parameters to work with. Heck, that would facilitate catching them. Something as body heat signature. Do they also replicate it?" He pauses, taking the time to sip some of the coffee, before adding, "And who knows, maybe we can find something better than your current paw paw to handle them."

Indeed, since they are chasing her and she has to eliminate them, one of the ways to manage the situation and give her with better odds, would be to provide her with a better weapon.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick's head tilts to the response. "I SAID it was fine." He states, lifting the mug up, "What were you expecting? A song and dance number?" There is indeed no mirthful song or jig to make light of the matter. Instead the rockstar has taken to sipping his coffee for a few moments.

The mug lowers, "I don't want you dying." He mutters, "Isn't that reason enough?"

Sarah Connor has posed:
Sarah shakes her head. "They are replications of humans. And can switch their identity almost instantaneously. You could be talking with what you presumed was your date, and nothing could be off. So far I have been able to make sure on the phones by a secret code." The date. "But otherwise, you have to get comfy with them. Little things like how long they keep eye contact. And yes, they eat and drink if necessary."

She shakes her head at Nick.. "Is that your way of saying thanks? You're welcome, by the way. That was not a person asking you for an autograph."

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
"Columbo," Clint says, helping himself with more nachos.

/Columbo/ is the code word they had decided to use, long ago, probably the first time they chatted in Chinatown.

"For some reason, we never used it. I guess we should. I hate replicants."

There's a somber look on his face, as he is suddenly lost in thoughts. None of them would know that his own ex-wife, once, had been impersonated by a Skrull. He knows about deception.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"He also stood out like a sore thumb. If you hadn't stopped him from where he was going I could have left a lot sooner. But the sentiment was appreciated." Nick replies back, "But ok. Since you really want the added recognition..."

In probably the least advised move possible. Nick lifts up his hands and starts clapping, giving the most enthusiastic smile to Sarah possible. "Bravo! You're Amazing! Superb!" The clapping dies away soon after as Nick scoots out of his seat. "Now if you'll excuse me. I got several orders to put in..."

There's a squeak of vinyl as the musician gets up, heading over to the register area.

Sarcasm.

That's Nick's identifier.

Sarcasm.

Sarah Connor has posed:
"What an asshole." Sarah stands up saying under her breath with regards to Nick.

She took a roll of money and peeled a couple of bills and put them on the table. "See you around.. Clint." Oh yes, she'd done some homework on her own. And leaves.