[video]

[keep_smiling]

[The feed opens to show Elmer's usual cheery self, holding that old violin he's found. He plays a few notes on it, slowly, just a pleasant little tune, before he speaks.]

I've got an idea! I think we need more to do around here to distract ourselves, don't you? Sure, there's lots of work to be done, but that doesn't mean we can't try to have some fun, too. Everyone's so down, and we could use something to help make people smile! Something fun that we can all enjoy. And I got to thinking about all the different people here, from so many different times and places, and how varied everyone's talents and skills are. So I thought, why not hold a talent competition! This way we can share all our talents with one another, and have some fun while we're at it. I can be the host! And we'll get a panel of judges, and some prizes. Maybe some trophies! Hey Monimoni, you should be a judge!

Yes, I know, I'm going to hear a lot of "But we're at war!" or "We have so much rebuilding to do!" We can still do both. I was thinking we can hold the competition in a month or two, to give people plenty of time to prepare, and in case anything else happens. Like a UE attack or time travel or whatever else in the world can happen. We can all work hard, find time to practice, and find a way to spread smiles to one another. Happy people make for better workers, after all. What do you all think?

Comments

[curatesecrets]

[they reach the coffee shop handily enough, and Artie pushes the door open]

You're right on all counts, really. The Warehouse is all of those things, and even more. [he smiles, holding the door for his friend and pausing to breathe in the scent of the coffee. it's not the best by any means, but it's still coffee, which means it's pretty hard to make it smell horrible]

I always like to call it a place of endless wonder, or America's Attic.

[keep_smiling]

[Elmer will order himself something, and plop down in the nearest seat.] How do you even get a job like that in the first place? I can't imagine it's the sort of thing they advertize for in the newpaper.

[curatesecrets]

A lot of it is circumstance: being in the right place at the wrong time, or the other way around. But you also have to be intelligent, and observant... have a knack for something that's useful in Warehouse terms. Each member of the team I work with has something that makes them special. Claudia's a genius with technology, Myka has an eye for detail, Pete has fantastic intuition and is just ... well .... mmfh. He's Pete.

[keep_smiling]

I see! A crack team of specialists. [He leans back in his chair, thinking. You can practically see the gears turning as he imagines all this, smiling all the while.] So what's you're knack, then?

[curatesecrets]

Mine? [he blinks rapidly, as though he somehow wasn't expecting to be asked] Oh, ah ... codebreaking, actually. Before I came to the Warehouse, I worked for the NSA.

[and here comes the coffee. Artie smiles at the waitress. she ... well, doesn't smile back. meh. he tried]

[keep_smiling]

Ooh, top secret stuff then, eh? How exciting! I just did a lot of travelling, myself. Not that it isn't exciting in of itself. [Elmer stirring in quite a bit of sugar for that tea he ordered.]

[curatesecrets]

Actually, working for the Warehouse is a good ten times more exciting. [he quirks a smile] I've traveled all over the world for it, myself. ... What's your favorite place you've been?

[keep_smiling]

Hard to narrow it down! I like just about anywhere with a beach. I'm fond of Italy, as I lived there for a few years as a kid. Currently, I think I like Japan best! I was there right before coming to Exsilium, actually.

[curatesecrets]

"Japan does have some fantastic places," Artie agreed. "I've been there on assignment for the Warehouse on more than one occasion."