: D

[starspangledknockers]

FINALLY! It's about time! Do you think you can finish this thing before you go to sleep? I really think you should go for it, but don't forget to check your work! Everything would be ruined if you submitted an application that had a lotta mistakes just because you weren't careful.

I know you can do it though! A gal who's way into history gets my approval. And hey! Don't worry about me. I can handle myself. I'll arrive and make a difference, just you wait.

Hang in there, you got this! [THUMBS UP]

Comments

[asecondsun]

You sound pretty excited.

[starspangledknockers]

I am. I really can't wait to meet all kinds of new people and species and stuff.

[asecondsun]

New species?

[starspangledknockers]

People and uh, fauna that ain't from planet Earth. [amelia is brimming with energy, practically beaming at the thought.]

[asecondsun]

I've been given to understand there are a lot of Earths.

But I'm sure you'll get your wish.

[starspangledknockers]

--Oh! [It only takes her a moment to understand what that actually means and how to respond to it--with more excitement, naturally, but also:] Right! You mean multiple universes and dimensions! Oh man, I'd love to be able to visit those someday. I'm gonna hope they exist and're accessible until proven otherwise, you know? [she pounds a determined fist into her other palm] Gotta stay positive about these things. This Tower place sounds really terrible, but I won't stop just 'cause of that. [SHE SHRUGS, gesturing lightly] It's just an opportunity to make things better, that's all.

Epsilon doesn't make enough sassy faces in canon for this.

[asecondsun]

[You're quite a character, aren't you? Epsilon just looks a little bemused.]

That's an admirable goal.

But how do you plan to go about it?

[1mistress_nomaster]

[There's a smile for you, Ameriko...]

Hello, little madam, you seem quite grown now...

don't apologize I. she. yes lskdjfl

[starspangledknockers]

Sorry, top secret! It's not personal; this stuff's on the black b--

--Hey you know what's cool? Radio telescopes. The first time we mapped a huge part of the universe--and I mean like huge--[she's spreading her arms out wide] I was in awe. Just think, for the first time ever hearing something from the start of our universe! Someday we'll be able to decode how things really hang together--'cause it's not just gravity, no way. There's so many things we haven't even accounted for yet! All the weak and strong forces are still pretty much a mystery!

[amelia folds her arms and nods in complete certainty of herself] Gotta look at this through the quantum and macrocosmic level at the same time. That takes a ton of work and math, but my scientists are real pros at number crunching and everything.

Yeah. First we gotta establish if those things even exist, and there's theories but you have to test theories to make sure things are right. Heck, that's not an easy task, but if there's anyone who'll do it, it'll be me! [NOD NOD]

[starspangledknockers]

[. . .]

Hi! Amelia's fine! Or America.

[. . .]

Hey! You're Queen Elizabeth! The old one! I mean the first one, because you're totally not old. [not mentioning that the mun had to tell her because, well... it's been a long time. But at least she remembers that she--]

Used to... know you, right? [s-settles down a little] Yup! I'm all grown and the best country on the whole damn planet!

... Oops! [covers her mouth] --bad language-- Sorry--!

[asecondsun]

You? All by yourself?

[He seems a bit disconcerted, really. Also, a bit... critical.

Coming from one of his children, he might have smiled.

From an adult...

Well, that's quite an ambition you have there. ]

[starspangledknockers]

Yeah! [she is entirely unperturbed by this. Amelia is used to outright mud being slung at her ambitions. a little thinly-veiled criticism (or even a lot) will go so far under her radar you'd almost think her skills with social perception are kind of stunted. . .

hint: they are. She blocks things out; a skill learned from being raised by England.]

It's mostly my citizens doing it, but I do plenty of work too--and I get credit on the world stage!

[asecondsun]

[Okay, hold up.]

Your citizens?

[Epsilon is seriously confused and also kind of concerned now.]

[starspangledknockers]

Oh duh--[lightly smacks her own forehead with the butt of her palm]

I'm the United States of America. It's nice to meet you! [and amelia extends a hand in greeting]

1/2

[asecondsun]

[United States of...

Oh.]

2/2

[asecondsun]

[Epsilon regards her hand for a moment... then takes it.]

Epsilon.

[Pause. A small, thin smile.]

I believe we may be from different Earths.

[He hopes.]

May I ask you something?

[starspangledknockers]

[she shakes his hand. carefully. she really does try not to break people's hands when feeling enthusiastic about something--so it's just a normal handshake really.]

Cool name, bro! And even cooler statement! [amelia folds her hands behind her back and rolls back and forth on her heels] Of course, ask away! I'm all ears.

[asecondsun]

[His smile becomes a bit more sincere with the handshake, but he doesn't lose that serious edge.

Time for a simple but very loaded question.]

...are there robots where you come from?

[idkworldruler]

Well you seem to be rather excited to go to a place like that tower.

[starspangledknockers]

Sure am! Don't get me wrong, I'm not excited about really bad stuff happening to people. I'm excited about being the heroine that'll save 'em!

[starspangledknockers]

[blink blink]

Sure are! What kind do y'mean though? Nothing sentient--yet. Just automated stuff, but that's kinda oversimplifying it.

[asecondsun]

[... that's the answer he was expecting.

Well, sort of.

That's very far back--almost too far back.]

You have a long way to go, then.

[He sounds almost... relieved.

Almost.]

[starspangledknockers]

Yeah, I know... [She has no idea what he means--she's thinking along the lines of technology. So she perks up!]

That must mean you're from the future! [she clasps her hands together and her eyes are positively sparkling.]

So I'm alive even in the far future?! --Well duh of course I am! Oh man, you gotta tell me more. Please?

[asecondsun]

[UH.

...and this is why not picking up on those cues is bad.

Epsilon averts his eyes slightly.

When he meets her gaze again, however, he just looks sad.]

Please don't ask me that question.

[starspangledknockers]

... [oh... did she say something wrong? She wonders what it was.]

Why not? [amelia puffs her cheeks out in minor frustration.] Ya can't just ask if I got robots and say I have along way to go and like, not expect questions!