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Agent Cooper, I hope I'm not bothering you too much with this message. I got your contact information through my father, Chris Argent, a weapons specialist. My name is Allison Argent and I'm a high school junior in Beacon Hills, California. I'm really interested in a career with the FBI. Would you be opposed to me asking you some questions? I understand you have a busy schedule, but I would be very grateful for whatever thoughts and information you can provide. Thank you. Sincerely, Allison Argent.

Miss Argent,

First, let me say that there is nothing in this world quite like the eager curiosity of the younger generation. If I may be to-the-point, I would be absolutely honored to answer any questions that you might have, provided you understand that I can't disclose any specific case details according to Bureau protocol. Hopefully I can be of some assistance!

- FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper

Agent Cooper, Thank you so much for your prompt reply. In spite of my obvious curiosity, I completely understand FBI rules and regulations regarding the nitty gritty details of cases! To start, what inspired you to join the force in the first place? For me, it's become a policy of mine to protect people who can't protect themselves - it's part of my family's honor code now, actually. - Allison Argent

Miss Argent,

With that respect in mind, if I may say so, I think you're already off to an excellent start! A good sense of honor, right and wrong, and a strong moral code (confidentiality included!) are essential to being successful in the field.

I'd had my eye on the Bureau ever since I was a boy. That was when I was lucky enough to travel to the Capitol for a tour of the FBI headquarters there. Admittedly, I lost my way as I grew older, but true callings always manage to pull you back in. I wound up being recruited right out of college, and I've been here ever since.

- FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper

Agent Cooper, I hope I can be all of those qualities. I hit a rough patch myself recently but that has a lot to do with family issues. You probably understand the complications that arise when it comes to patching things up after making kind of a mess. I have to admit, though, that I'm jealous of people who seem to have their lives figures out and know exactly which path to take. I can't tell you how many hobbies I've picked up and dropped over the years. Archery seems to be one of the few things that sticks. That wouldn't help me in the long run when it comes to the Bureau, would it? - Allison Argent

Miss Argent,

Believe me when I say that I understand it better than anyone. Being able to move past and take responsibility for what you've done is one of the biggest strengths you can develop, and an integral part of growing up, and it sounds like you've still got plenty of time to do that.

Whatever it is you like to do in your free time is something that can be used to help, I guarantee it! If you can drum up a certain kind of energy to help you with archery, you can channel it into your work with just a little bit of practice. Everyone goes through a series of phases; what you're talking about is perfectly normal.

Remind me to tell you sometime about my attempt to join the circus. ☺

- Dale Cooper

[ yes. yes he did draw the smiley face. fight him. ]

Agent Cooper, I'm very diligent and work-focused. Of course, helping my friends and family out takes a toll on my grades so it's really a matter of keeping all the plates spinning. I'm at least lucky enough to already have a wide knowledge of various weaponry, but that has all to do with my family's line of work. Never too young to educate the next generation, I guess. Now I'm curious about your circus attempt! How did you get to there from wanting to be an agent? - Allison

Miss Argent,

How about we cut ourselves a deal: you tell me what you do at home, and I'll let you in on my ill-fated circus history. How's that sound?

- Dale Cooper

Agent Cooper, My dad and I are protectors. We live by a code of honor and do our best to help Beacon Hills. - Allison

Miss Argent,

Am I right in thinking that Beacon Hills might not be your normal apple-pie American town?

- Dale Cooper

Agent Cooper, Not at all. It's become very bizarre and is lacking in apple pie. I think the Bureau has picked up on its strangeness, actually. My ex-boyfriend's father is Agent Rafael McCall. He's in town. - Allison

Miss Argent,

Never met him, unfortunately - must be from the San Francisco branch. Pretty far distance from Philadelphia! But I can guarantee that you're in good hands - and that's not to belittle the work you and your father have already done. At the same time, sounds to me like you fine people are all in a decent amount of trouble.

- Dale Cooper

Edited 2014-04-03 15:41 (UTC)

Agent Cooper, Must be! I thought I would offer his name anyway, just in case. I think this town is a magnet for trouble. It seems to come and go, but now it's here full force. It's a little more than meddling teenagers getting caught up in the mess, too. The police force here does what it can - we sometimes work with the local sheriff, who's a father of one of my friends. Opening the lines of communication help a lot. It's never easy when you have to dance around a subject. - Allison

Miss Argent,

Opening communication typically means that the music stops and there's nothing to dance around. Do you agree?

Now, as I said before, I live my life by a code of my own on top of that which the Bureau requires - and that includes confidentiality. If you can't tell me, I understand. It still sounds to me like you might be in some kind of danger.

- Dale Cooper

Agent Cooper, I've thought about it a lot, telling you about what's happening. My problem is that I'm worrying about whether you'll think I'm pulling your leg here. It's not right to keep this information contained to a small group of people, especially when others are in danger, but the fact is that the whole thing sounds ridiculous when you sit down to talk about it. No one really believes teenagers. I'm lucky to have a few adults who do now, though. I think you're a guy I can trust, though. - Allison

Miss Argent,

Given my own personal circumstances and beliefs, discounting the words of others based on nothing more than their age would be both a contradiction and a mistake that I can't afford to make. I'd like to take a moment to assure you that you can trust me, by all means, and that if people are in danger, no one would begrudge you for letting people know. Least of all me.

- Dale Cooper

Agent Cooper, How much do you know about werewolves? Because that's my family business, hunting them. Or, well, it was until I fell in love with one. There are good wolves here, among the bad ones, but that rule applies to all humans too. The good ones, my ex included, are why I changed the hunter's code. Our main credence was previously: "Nous chassons ceux qui nous chassent." We hunt those who hunt us. I've made an addition recently: "Nous chassons ceux qui nous chassent." We protect those who cannot protect themselves. To save our parents, three of us made a major sacrifice that has potentially made us a target for future attacks. The major death toll here has obviously attracted Federal attention. I realize how bizarre this all reads on paper. I can assure you that this is very serious. - Allison

Allison,

I have a certain image that I can't get out of my head. Ever seen The Wolfman? Put a full moon in the sky and something terrible happens. Are we on the same page?

I know how it looks. I have it right in front of me. But to invalidate the experiences of others is to cast out the world at large, and that's something I can't abide by. If you need help, all you have to do is ask.

- Dale Coper

Agent Cooper, You're exactly right. There are many variations to the change, so whatever you're seen or read about probably exists in the world. I really appreciate you listening to me and I can't stress that enough. This was supposed to be an exchange about my future, but I guess you can't talk about the future without considering the present. I hope we can talk in person one of these days. I'd really like to meet you. - Allison

Allison,

Just remember that it's our choices today that will make us into who we'll be tomorrow. As it stands now, if I have your permission, I'd like to take a look at just what's happening out there in Beacon Hills. I'll have to report it to the Bureau, of course, but it sounds to me like they already have something regarding it on file.

- Dale Cooper

Agent Cooper, You definitely have my permission. I think we're getting in way over our heads here. I guess it isn't a sign of weakness to ask for help. That's what I'm trying to tell myself at least. Thank you, Allison

Allison,

Knowing when to ask for assistance and swallow your pride is another key to becoming a responsible adult. In my personal opinion, you've made the right decision.

See you soon,
Dale Cooper

[though she had been dispatched in order to assist the local area, she knew it for what it was, punishment for defiance. could her superiors be more transparent? she didn't see why she had to be sent to the edge of America when chaining her to her desk would be more effective, but far be it from her to complain. after all, without it, there would be no red room for a red woman. death moves through the space without hesitation, reaches up to caress the face of Venus, and knows she's not alone.]

It's impolite to sneak up on someone, you know.

[ the problem with dreams is that they're subconscious. uncontrollable. cooper doesn't know the room is coming, red curtains rushing headlong toward him before he's already there in the midst of it, shoes clicking on the floor, echoing throughout the curtained walls in a way that it shouldn't.

he hears the chide, but says nothing for a moment, eyes trailing about the room. he stares at her. ]

I didn't mean to.

[ it's different than the last time. he's not older. he's just the same as he was before he went to sleep, and there's no laura palmer sitting across the way from him, all secrets and kisses and arms. what she said to him still escapes him. ]

I need to wake up.

But will you wake up?

[she seizes the chance to kiss the statue lightly on the lips--a pure intention for the goddess of beauty--before turning around, observing the stranger.]

This could be your reality, and where you were before you went to sleep could be your dream. Who's to say you haven't already woken up?

I have a case.

[ as if that's explanation enough. a shadow drifts along the red of the curtains, momentarily obscuring the woman and the statue from view. they flicker. the hairs of the back of his neck stand on end. ]

You weren't here before.

Were you here before?

If you mean me specifically, no, I just transferred.

However, if you mean I, then I've always been here.

[one slow step towards him, then another.]

I exist as I always have, for you and your father and your grandfather and his grandfather. For your mother and your grandmother and her grandmother. But judging from your expression, you haven't met me personally. Only secondhand, I'd wager.

A little presumptuous to say that without introductions, don't you think?

[ wherever he is, whatever he's doing, his focus seems to have returned to something akin to full alertness, even if this only does exist inside his head right now (and that's debatable). she moves forward, but he stays where he is, shoulders squaring as she approaches. ]

You first.

[but, Dale Cooper, you know who she is--what she is. there embracing Laura Palmer's soul, there as fall changes to winter. can you look at her and tell her that you don't know enough about Death to recognize it?]

You already know me. You're in my head. [ because regardless of everything, he's still convinced that he's asleep, even if this room and its curtains and that sleepy jazz drifting through the air are the only reality there is. there should be some trepidation to his voice, but really, there's only the hint of fascination. ]

Dale Cooper.

Grell Sutcliffe. Charmed, Mr. Cooper.

[she chuckles, running through the list in her head--a lucky one, to not be on it right now. maybe later she'd look him up.]

If this is your head, I admire your taste in decor.

[ he continues to eye her, facing her straight-on. the death situation hasn't quite dawned on him yet, but he's used to riddles here. he'll pay it more attention after he wakes up.

if he wakes up. ]

You familiar with psychology at all?

[it's not his time. doesn't mean she can't toy with him a little.]

I've glanced at it. Half of it is true, half of it is so wrong it's hilarious. But tell me what bearing psychology has on us.

The decor. You just mentioned it. [ he's not used to being the one with the answers in this place. he can't help it - he grins. ] Red, black. White. Makes you wonder what your inner workings are really on about.

Hey, Dale. It's Serena.

Mind coming to meet me for brunch? I know it's out of the blue, but it's been a while. I'd like to see you and catch up, and I'm only in town for a week.

[there's a small pause,]

And don't make up any excuses, okay? I know you're a busy guy, but I bet you can make a little time for me. Call back soon. Bye!

[ are you ready for the happiest game of phone tag in the world? because she mentioned food and he is so happy about food. ]

Serena, I'm beginning to think that you have a knack for perfect timing! Let me tell you about this diner I discovered about a week and a half ago - hole in the wall, practically shoved into a corner. Now, I know. I know what you're thinking. Too many of those in Philadelphia already.

They cook everything to perfection, Serena, and have the best cinnamon rolls I have ever tasted in my life. And I promise, I have had a fair few. I know you said brunch, but sometimes, you just can't say no to breakfast. All day.

[ the grin is pretty obviously coming through in his voice and no he's just going to hang up now before he keeps going and the voicemail shuts off. ]

[okay, serena totally can't lie - she's really excited. as if she wasn't excited enough to be calling him in the first place, her voice really shows it now.]

Oh my god, [she chuckles,] if this is going to turn into a phone tag competition, you really need to pick up.

But, um, I love breakfast! And I never say no to sweets. I haven't had cinnamon rolls in a long time, so I'm trusting you on them being the best you've had. Also, I may just sit by the phone until you get back to me, so you better call me soon or I might starve.

[and she hangs up and wow she is totally waiting by the phone now dale you better call back asap]

[ SHE WON'T HAVE TO WAIT LONG

GUESS WHO'S CALLING BACK TO TALK ABOUT FOOD.

but seriously. dialing as soon as he gets the message, because he probably got distracted by some animal in his back yard or something, tapping his foot excitedly as it rings. because he's practically a puppy.

PICK UP THE PHONE, SERENA ]

[SHE IS PICKING UP THE PHONE SO FAST okay maybe she waits a few rings but she answers rather quickly, her tone sweet and cool.]

Dale, hey. I was hoping you'd call back soon.

[sooner than she expected, honestly. she must really have great timing.]

When can we make breakfast happen? Today, I hope?

You said the magic words, how could I resist? [ he chuckles into the receiver. magic words? anything having to do with food. any combination of words having to do with meals. ] You know something? I'd love to. You need a lift? We can catch up on the way there.

You know, yeah, I do. That'd be great.

[she pauses as she grabs a piece of paper and a pen to write a little note to blair, who's also with her, but is off on a shopping spree.]

I just need to get ready and I can meet you downstairs -- I'm at the [insert fancy as fuck apartment name here, aw yea], okay?

Okie-dokey. [ what a loser. ] Give me a time, and I'll be there before you know it.

[teasingly,]

You better.

[and then doot doot time passes and she's taking the elevator down to the first floor and waiting inside because it's windy out and she isn't into that right now]

[ wow what a great time loop.

cooper's in the car, that (now) old sedan he drives, because he wasn't aware he was leaving 1989 today, thank you very much. but he's got a good sense of direction, and finds himself there in no time flat, and makes his way inside, taking his time with his strides, and, inside, just kind of - stopping. he knows how to blend in, but, well. it's his day off. he doesn't live like this. ]

Uh - Serena?

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yes hello aus for miles | voicemail

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ew i'm late what's wrong with me

it's okay i'm late too.