[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

[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. ]