[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

[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.