Hi Mum, It's Sammy (clone 69 - part 4)

Sam, why are you still dressed in costume?

After that disaster of a show, I really needed a drink and to relax. [hic] Didn't want to go home and change first. [hic] Bar's good place to relax. [hic]

And drink quite a lot, apparently.

Only a couple, Mum. [hic] Bastard Merlot is a pool shark though. He's winning. [hic]

You might be a bit drunk to play, Sammy. How many have you had?

Nah. That can't be it. Only had 3, maybe 4. Mmm, maybe 5. Bastard Merlot. He got married the other day and didn't even invite me to the wedding.

Maybe because you hit on him once. Remember?

Oh, yeah, that's right.

Sammy! You brought Berjes to the bar?

What? What's wrong with that?

Well, if you are going to be drinking too much, you shouldn't be bringing the boy along. He'll learn bad habits.

He's not drinking!

True, he seems to be playing a game with Thea. Might be the most fun the poor kid has ever had.

Give me a break. I'm doing the best I can.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 69 - Part 3)

One thing I have to admit about Lucky Palms, the desert is a beautiful place at both sunset,

and sunrise. It's almost overwhelming. The lighting is just about magic.

Sigh, I just wish I could say the same about my life.

Still not having luck, Sammy?

None, Mum, just no luck at all.

So, wha'cha up to Sammy? I don't think I recognise that place.

Eh, decided to pop into the library.  I'd heard they had some good self help books on making friends and meeting people. I looked at the bookstore first but, my god, those things are freaking expensive.

Actually, looks like you are doing well on the whole meeting people thing. Two Simselves in one day.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 69 - Part 2)

Salad, Sam? That is so totally healthy.

It's not that it's healthy. It is that I can't afford anything better tonight. First thing in the morning, I'm going job hunting.

Good luck with that. I hear that times are tough.

I'm not picky, I just need cash.

"Hey, my name is Sam. I was wondering if you heard of any jobs going in town? I've been lots of places already and no luck."

"Hi Sam, I'm Cornelius. I have a gig for a mime as a warm up act at my stage in the park. You have to be in good condition though."

"I'm in pretty good shape but a mime? I'm not interested in that. I want a real job. Regular hours and regular pay."

"Well, good luck looking for other jobs. Just remember me if you don't find anything."

"Just curious, why does your mime have to be in good shape?"

"They need to dodge vegetables thrown on the stage. Hopefully there is nothing left for the audience to throw by the time the main act gets on stage."

Sounds like an exciting career, Sammy.

That sounds painful. I think I'd rather starve first.

Didn't you say just last night that you weren't picky, Sam?

Grrrrrr.

Sammy, are you doing what I think you're doing?

Mum, I tried everywhere. The fire station is volunteers only. The police have plenty of officers. The hospital has more staff than patients. The science lab said I could be a test subject but they seemed to think I'd do it for free. Every place that I tried had no paying jobs.

And so?

Being a mime was the only job offer I had. Even if dodging vegetables does not sound like my idea of fun. So I thought I'd better practice a bit.

I wonder, does this looks as stupid as I think it looks?

You are doing splendidly, Sammy.

I don't think I can count on you as unbiased, Mum. I'm sure that this looks really dumb.

I ... hate ... my ... life! HATE IT! Nothing is going right. I have a tiny hovel. I have a rotten job. I have a son who thinks I'm a loser.

I hate to say this Sam, but Berjes may have a point. Given why you hate your life, can you say you aren't?

Just a few set backs. That's all. I'll get it together soon, you'll see.

Oh, Sammy. [snicker] What on earth is that supposed to be?

Apparently, being a mime wasn't degrading enough. This is the official outfit and the makeup I'm supposed to wear. Cornelius said I'd have to practice a few days before I was ready for the stage.

Poor Sam.

Have I mentioned that I hate my life lately?

"Do you have any idea what that's supposed to be, dear?"

"Not sure. Do you think if we give him some money, he'll leave us alone?"

"Don't encourage it, dear. We'll never be rid of it if we put money in the jar."

I'm trying really hard. Why aren't they more appreciative?

Trying hard doesn't mean you're worth watching, Sammy.

"Watching that new mime is like watching a train wreck. You know it will end badly but you just can't look away."

"I'm glad you warned me. If he's on the bill for the next show, we'll have to find something else to do that day."

Sheesh, it can't be that bad, can it? And just because mimes don't talk, that doesn't mean we can't hear!

Sammy, the casino? Again? What are you thinking?

Mum, I have to get lucky sometime.

Casinos make their millions from people who believe exactly that, Sammy.

Grrr, give me some money back.

If you get money that way, the security guys are going to take it off you. Kicking the machine is definitely not allowed.

Maybe the tables will work better for me.

If you are looking for a quicker way to lose money, I'm sure that's true.

Then again, maybe not. That was a lot of money for our household.

Poor Sam. Going to give it up now?

My luck has to change sometime.

Not looking like a meal made by someone with tons of money.

You have something against mac and cheese. Very yummy this.

And cheap, Sammy. Very cheap.

"Well, Berjes, how was the first day of school?"

"It was ok, I guess. Some of the kids are all right. Teacher is a loser, like you."

"Berjes!"

"Well, at least mac and cheese is a better dinner than salad, Sam. Does this mean you have a good job?" he dug into his bowl with a will.

"I have a job, yes. Did the teacher give you homework?"

Berjes nodded. "Yes, and I've finished it."

"That's good."

He scowled at me. "Is there anything else to do here? You have no tv, a crappy radio that only gets an oldies station, no books, nothing. I had to do my homework or be bored out of my skull."

I have to agree with the kid, Sam. You really aren't prepared for a child of his age, there is nothing to do.

I know. Guess I'll have to do something about that.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 69 - Part 1)

Well, Mum, I've moved into a new home in a place called Lucky Palms.

Congrats on the move. I'm sure you’ll be happy in your new home.

So far, it doesn't seem that lucky to me. This tiny shack was all I could afford and it barely has any furniture.

Oh Sam, maybe that's not what's lucky about Lucky Palms. You do have to give a new place a chance.

Well, I do live next to a public garden. So I had the chance to rummage around for food.

That seems pretty lucky.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - part 17 Finale)

“Sammy?”

“Yes love?”

“Stop fretting. You’re too tense and it’s making me tense and then we will both upset the twins.” Jericho probably had a point. I had barely left his side all evening, I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to him. So for the third time in one evening, Jer went to move and bumped against me because I was too close.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - part 16)

I started to breath in and out slowly, calming myself as I walked away from the station. A few people said something at me as I went past but I just shook my head and kept going. I was in a uniform that was no longer mine, I didn't want anyone to ask about something assuming that I was still a cop.

"Jericho?" I stopped walking and looked around even though some part of me knew that was pointless. Jer was frightened, badly frightened by something. He's ... still home. I was in a taxi headed home without even a moment's pause for thought.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - part 15)

It was only a week between our wedding and the day of the policeman's ball. I found out the name was traditional, it wasn't really a ball but just a party. It was going to be held at a medium sized warehouse that had been converted to two floors with lots of entertainment activities. As promised, Eddie and Howie had tickets as well as Jericho and I. We were all looking forward to getting out and having some fun.

Jericho came out of our room holding a gift wrapped box in his hands. "Sammy, I bought you a new shirt for the party. I hope you like it."

"It's a present from you. How can I help but love it?" Well, that's what I said before I opened it. As I started to pull the shirt from the box, I knew that saying I love it was a definite exaggeration. But Jericho was looking so happy and pleased with himself that I went ahead and put it on to wear to the  policeman's ball.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - part 14)

The pet show was a lovely affair. The main event had been held in the interior of the Equestrian Centre, and the prize giving ceremony was held at the little outside reception area. There wasn't really much in the way of drinks or food but Merlot did ensure that we had the table closest to the area were the prizes were being announced.

Jericho was trying out a new style. I had a hard time keeping my eyes off him so I expect he'll count it as a success.

"Can I have your attention please?" Merlot had been running this show all morning and everyone was getting a bit tired. The winners of the smaller prizes were all off somewhere congratulating each other so we were mostly down to a few spectators.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 13)

"Officer Grant, I want a word."

This morning, Officer Grant sounded friendly and congratulatory. This afternoon, it's menacing. Chuck, the senior officer in our small department, already knows I went against his orders. "Yes sir?"

"So you ignored me and went ahead about those pet reports?" he was frowning. Damn, I am so busted.

I shrugged. "Yes sir." No point in denying it. It was a nice job while it lasted.

A movement from the side of the room caught my eye. "Officer Grant," it was Merlot, grinning broadly. "Chuck says you are not allowed to take money from us. But the committee for the Pet Show wants to show our appreciation for finding our pets and saving the show." He handed me a small envelope.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 12)

The next morning was just as hard to drag myself out of the our lovely warm bed as ever. I would be jealous of leaving Jericho sleeping peacefully but I do know he's up a couple of times a night to check on the toddlers. Even though the cribs are in our room, and we'd know if one of them was fussy, Jer still checks on them every few hours.

In spite of that, I still managed to get to the station in time. I was rather surprised to see Chuck at the front desk.

"Chuck? How did I do? Did I pass the test?"

"Sam, they sent your results. Congratulations, you had 78%. A good solid pass." He smiled, "Not high enough that I'll promote you extra fast but enough that I can feel confident about the fact that you do know the law as well as any cop should."

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 11)

Felipe showed us the area his German Shepherd usually stayed in. It was outside, without even enough of a fence to keep the dog in but definitely nothing that would keep a human out, other than Rex himself.

“I was thinking that we should leave one camera a little more obvious and camouflage the others,” I mentioned to Howie.

“That’s not a good idea. Spotting one camera is likely to have any crook who knows these systems on the lookout for more. They all have to be hidden fairly well, so that the pet nappers don’t notice any of them at all.”

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 10)

"I'm glad you came home early," Jericho told me. "Eddie's still home so I'd like to hold a household meeting."

"What's this about?"

"Let me get Eddie and Howie. I'd rather get this over with and have all three of you here." Jericho motioned to the couch and I collapsed on it. Jer's mood had turned rather somber, whatever the household meeting was going to be about wasn't pretty.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 9)

I woke the next morning still feeling different. My bond with Jericho is going to take some getting used to. Even as I got out of bed, I could feel that he was relaxed, warm and happy in his sleep. I'd love to crawl back into bed too but unfortunately there is work. If I don't go, I won't get paid.

So I tended the babies, then got myself ready for work. I rang Felipe and Jared and asked them if they could meet me early for a bit of a chat. We agreed to meet up and have talk before work.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 8)

(This scene was done in collaboration with Avanis, Jericho's creator and THE expert on Striders.)
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"So, Sammy, what the hell do you want to ask that requires coming home?" Jericho demanded of me as we entered the door.

"I'm worried you are about to answer no. So I want a stiff drink before I ask. And you remember how our last jaunt to the dive bar went." We left without even ordering drinks, the service was impossibly slow. I grabbed two drinks from our bar and handed one to Jer.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 7)

The next day, I got up as quietly as I could manage. Jer had been on baby duty most of the night and he needed some sleep. I played with and fed each of our little munchkins then grabbed something that seemed edible from the fridge.

I barely made it out of the door in time, given that I was supposed to show Jared around town before work officially started. I made it just before Jared. He pulled up in an old clunker.

“Hey, Jared. Bad news, Felipe has the only cop car in town. I don’t own a car so I’m afraid we are going to have to use yours.”

“Right, fine. I hope that the department can splurge for another car soon. Another few miles on this beast and it’s going to finish falling to pieces.”

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 6)

Things at home are going along very well. There may well be an available room upstairs that is officially mine but this is the place I want to be.

"Jer, just want to make sure you know. I love you."

"Right back at you, Sam. This exclusive dating idea, I think I like it."

I'm glad about that. I can't imagine saying no to Jericho, not with those big blue soulful eyes of his. But I want him to myself. It will tear me in two if he goes back to dating others. I seriously hope that he doesn't ask about it.

I do not understand how I ever slept in a bed by myself. There is something naturally relaxing about sleeping with someone you love.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 5)

Another day at work spent mostly keeping the chair warm and the computer busy.

Ok, we did have one citizen stop by to make a report. This time, I noticed the door opening and closing. I looked up and waited for the visitor to take a seat.

"What can I do for you today?"

"I've come to file a report about a missing pet."

I started to pull up the Lost and Found report. At least this time I know what I'm looking for and how to find it. "A missing pet? A cat by any chance?"

"No. It's our dog. He's a beagle. Why did you ask about a cat?"

"I just had a report yesterday about a missing cat. So, I'll need your name and address first."

"My name is Cami House, the house is 309 Sweetapple Ridge Way." She started to say something more but stopped when she realised that my typing speed is very slow.

"My apologies, I'm still very new here. What can you tell me about the dog?"

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 63 - Part 4)

Mum, they gave us some good news at work. Apparently we don't have to be able to quote from memory the entire code. Given how long that was going to take me, the fact that I won't have to memorise the lot is a relief.

In fact, my supervisor may have me man the front desk soon. Mind you, he says it's so a real police officer can get out on patrol but if I can get away from these books, I'll be happy.

While I was stuck studying again, my housemates were having a much better time. Well, mostly. Jericho spent some time trying to teach the parrot a few words.

And then he went fishing. He tried fishing at the water treatment plant for a change and found it's salt water not fresh. That discovery made him a much happier guy. I think just being near salt water helped him recharge in some way, even if he wasn't allowed to go swimming.