[video]

[keep_smiling]

[The feed pops on to show a young man smiling pleasantly, and looking fascinated with the gadget in his hands.]

This computer is really amazing, isn't it? I thought things this far in the future would be so far advanced that it'd make my head spin, but this is quite nice. It's so convenient.

I figured I should use it to introduce myself! [He waggles his fingers in a hello gesture.] My name's Elmer C. Albatross, and I'm fairly certain these Initiative blokes got mixed up and meant to choose someone else over me. They don't seem to believe me on that. But now that I'm here, I'll try to make the best of it.

So what's this place like? What all do you do? I'd like to hear all about it.

Comments

[text]

[oncearanger]

You're not the only one feeling that way, believe me. I have an idea of what I might do, but I knew of better choices. I guess I'd blame the randomness of the transporter for that.

I don't have a formal job yet, but I'm getting ready to go to the science labs and apply.

[keep_smiling]

I suppose if they can only take whomever they can grab, I guess it was my lucky day :)

Oh so you're a scientist? Do they have all sorts of jobs here?

[oncearanger]

That's optimistic.

In a sense, yes. And I'm sure. There are different merchants, security, I believe, and I guess all of us are mercenaries in a sense.

[keep_smiling]

I like to think i am :D

Oh well in that case i will have to see what is a good fit for me. There's no sense sitting around doing nothing all day ヽ(^o^)丿

Though i'd much rather go home, there are people waiting for me there

[oncearanger]

Aren't they waiting for us all. We all have people we miss, but...I don't know, maybe they'll be drawn in?

I hope mine don't have to join, though.

[keep_smiling]

Only if they would want to, I think. Some of them might not be happy to be brought to a place like this. I do wish I could get a message back to them, though. There were people waiting for me and they might wonder what happened to me. :)

[oncearanger]

I hadn't even thought of that. Imagine the chaos that could be happening. But that's incentive for us to be good soldiers and help to finish this war as soon as possible, isn't it?

[keep_smiling]

true! I just want to be helpful, even if it's just by helping put a smile on everyone's face. O(∩_∩)O

Video

[failtsuninari]

[Tenjou blinks and drinks some tea.]

Hmm so why do you think the Intiative made a mistake choosing you?

[keep_smiling]

Oh, well I figure for a war, they'd like someone who could fight. Or at least likes to.

[failtsuninari]

Maybe but a war isn't strictly about fighting. An army is as good as it's supporters. Healers, researchers, we need all sorts of people around. Besides, people can be taught how to fight if necessary.

[keep_smiling]

Ah...

I'm not any of those things, either! And I really don't want to hurt or kill anyone.

[failtsuninari]

Again, "If necessary," was the key. I'm not sure how they select who is brought here but there must be a reason.

Oh and to answer that other question you asked, I mostly train but I'm looking at my options too.

[keep_smiling]

So you're a fighter, then?

[encourage]

I don't think they have much of a choice in who they pull in. They meant to choose you as much as any of us.

[keep_smiling]

It's too bad they can't send me back, then. I know some people who would be much better at fighting battles than I would. I'll just be sure to do my best in another way!

[encourage]

Wars aren't just fought by people on the front lines. Support at home makes one a success or a failure.

[keep_smiling]

Then for now I shall declare myself the Morale Officer. Happy troops are productive troops!

[encourage]

( It makes her smile, for that offbeat moment. What his deal was she wasn't sure. It was good if he meant what he said, on another hand. People needed guys like him to make it through intact. )

Nice to meet you, Morale Officer. Good luck keeping the troops in proper mentalities. Think you're up for the challenge?

[keep_smiling]

I know I am. I'm an expert in smiles.

[encourage]

You went to school for that expertise, or is it more earned in the field?

[keep_smiling]

A lifetime of experience. I can instantly tell if someone is faking it or not.

[encourage]

One might say that makes you a frightening man.

[keep_smiling]

Some have said that! I don't think that's true, though. If someone's faking, then I can try to find out a way to make them smile for real. They'd feel much better then!

[encourage]

Not if you're breaking the illusion they're using to function.

[keep_smiling]

That doesn't change the fact that I would want to get them to smile for real. If they're faking it, they're probably not functioning very well, wouldn't you say?

[encourage]

I wouldn't presume to make that assumption.

video;

[bratworth]

They don't choose. It's random.

[keep_smiling]

Ah, that's too bad for them, then. I'll still try my best to be helpful, if they need me that badly.

[bratworth]

What skills do you have?

[keep_smiling]

That pertains to war? Not much. Though I'm sure people here need to help keep their spirits up, yeah? I'm good at that!

[bratworth]

So, moral support. Well, it's probably better than nothing. [ And certainly better than the Initiative bringing in more young children. ]

[keep_smiling]

Sure! People being torn from their homes is bound to make them sad, and being placed in a war is no better. So I'll have to work extra hard in order to get them to smile, I think.

[bratworth]

You did that often, back in your own reality?

[keep_smiling]

It sounds strange, when you say it like that. "Back in my own reality". But yes, of course! I'm an expert in smiles.

[bratworth]

Well, it's the most accurate way of putting it. Were you an entertainer of some sort?

[keep_smiling]

No, I just traveled. But that's something I could do here, yeah? Maybe I'll take up an instrument.

[bratworth]

Do you have any previous experience in musical performance?

[keep_smiling]

Not in a long long time, but I might be able to pick something up again. I wonder what I should play?

[bratworth]

What did you play in the past?

[keep_smiling]

Ah, let's see... Violin, accordion, and harmonica!

[bratworth]

You'll probably be able to find one of those here, even though it might take a bit of searching. I highly doubt music has been near the list of this city's priorities for a long while now.

[keep_smiling]

Maybe not, but people everywhere love music. Even with all the trouble here, I'll be it persevered.

[bratworth]

Indeed. Perhaps in some antiques store... if all else fails, you could consider asking the Initiative. [ If memory served, there were some strange things in that armory of theirs. ]