Chapter Text
Equivalent Exchange
Chapter 1
Conservation of Energy
“The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy of an isolated system is constant; energy can be transformed from one form to another, but can be neither created nor destroyed.”
“If you two don't start opening up and talking to me, I will have to resort to other options.” Beverly crossed her arms and glared at the two individuals sitting on her couch. Nathan Stark sat at one end, and rolled his eyes. Jack Carter sat on the other end and laughed.
“Or what, you'll spank us?” Jack snorted.
“What kind of services do you come here for, Sheriff?” Stark asked curiously in his unique drawl.
They both glared at each other and Beverly snapped, “Boys!”
“I think we're done here.” Stark said and stood up and Jack jumped to his feet as well.
“Something we can agree on.” Jack said and held his hand up for Stark to high-five and only got a eye roll instead. Asshole.
“If either of you plan to return to work, then you better sit down and start talking to me.” Beverly said coldly. “Or you put on the ATS and submerse yourself in a simulation to help you virtually work through your issues.”
“Unless it's one of those video games where I get to kick the shit out of him.” Jack said. “I'm not playing.”
“Oh look, we agree again.” Nathan said and smiled.. “Combat simulator sounds fantastic.”
“Considering you are both here for counseling because your arguing lead to part of Global being vaporized, causing millions of dollars of damage, I think you've proven that fighting is something you're too eager to participate in.” Beverly said and stood to get her virtual therapy devices. “Until I sign off on your paperwork, both of your are locked out of Global and are at risk for redaction. So, shall we start our session over?”
“I am the director, I can't be shut out.” Nathan growled.
“I can't complain, I mean without access to Global that cuts out almost 99 percent of my problems.”
“Oh, Sheriff, you're suspended as well.” Beverly turned just in time to see Stark's smug smile. “Put these on.”
“Nope.” Stark said. “Not granting some computer access to my brain again, made that mistake once.”
“I don't know, do I get to kiss Allison again because...”
“BOYS!” Beverly screamed as soon as Stark turned to threaten Carter with his fist. “Either put these on or start writing your resumes because I am not sitting here and listening to this anymore.”
Jack looked at the headset he was given and he had to agree with Stark again, this just didn't seem like a great idea. Not much choice so he offered a compromise. “I'll do it if I can do it at home.”
“You would categorize brain activity as something you need to do behind closed doors.” Nathan smiled. "Letting the wrong body part decide your actions..."
"Kissing Allison worked." Jack said.
“You need to be monitored.” Beverly said, she had enough of these two. It was cute until it because a waste of her time and an insult o her profession. Having them leave and do this elsewhere was a great idea. “You also have to remain close to Dr. Stark so the devices can communicate.”
“S.A.R.A.H. can monitor us.” Jack said, eager to get the hell out of here. Therapists were not his favorite people.
“I agree.” Nathan said seeing what Carter was going for and took his headset. “I need to get back to work. So if we have to play some games to make that happen, sure.”
“It's a simulation of Eureka.” Beverly explained. “I have it programmed so that you will be taking each other's jobs in order to understand the other person's position.”
“Carter...as head of GD?” Stark laughed. “Actually I'm suddenly really interested in this fantasy world of yours, Beverly. Tell me, does his IQ get inflated in the stats or does he have to wing it like he usually does?”
“Stark is going to be Sheriff?” Jack asked and then an evil grin crossed his face. “A Sheriff who has to respond to all kinds of calls because someone won't rein in his damned scientists and their doomsday devices? Well, that actually sounds like a fun game.”
“You switch roles, including personal ones.” Beverly continued to explain. “This isn't just about your jobs, it's about the stresses of your lives and the people you interact with. So, Dr. Stark, you are now a father to Zoe , ex-husband to Abby Carter, and a partner with Deputy Lupo. Sheriff Carter, you will be a father to Kevin and will have to manage your history with Dr. Blake as well as her role as DoD Liaison.”
“Oh, really?” Jack said. “What fun!”
“I'm not wearing the polyester uniform.” Stark said with a grin. “It irritates me. Do you need a Doctor's note? I can call my ex-wife...”
“You can both leave now.” Beverly said, no more instruction was necessary other than the ultimatum. “If I don't see this turned on in an hour, I will be calling the DoD and telling them you refuse to comply with their requests.”
“S.A.R.A.H. Door!”
“Welcome home Sheriff!” the A.I paused. “And welcome Doctor Stark.”
“Hello S.A.R.A.H.” Nathan said, she sounded happy to see him. Not surprising, she was Fargo's brain child.
“So we have to play virtual Eureka on these headset things Beverly gave us.” Jack waved his device at the ceiling and went over to the couch.
“Dr. Barlow sent me an email.” S.A.R.A.H. informed him.
“You have email?” Jack asked.
“Let's get this thing over with Carter.” Nathan went to the couch and sat down. “I don't have all day to play games. Someone blew up a section of my building and I have to be there when the architect comes to draw up plans to rebuild.”
“Maybe I get to do that.”
“Maybe I get to shoot you.”
Jack looked at the ATS and said, “Well, here goes nothing.”
“That's a pretty accurate assessment of what the experience is going to be.” Nathan chirped and sat back and put his headset on. He turned it on and saw the welcome screen and the description of the task and purpose of this session.
Jack reluctantly turned his on and sat back to see how fast he could get this over with. “Let the games begin.”