Timing is everything

[emptychamber]

You know, delighted as I am to come out and play, I don't know that the timing is exactly ideal. After all, if anyone does want to say hello, it would be a bit hard to write back if the power blows.

You could work on the actual application. If I'm so very much on your mind.

Comments

[captaincocksure]

Then let me get in here quickly, just in case.

Hello.

[emptychamber]

Hello yourself. I'm not sure whether this means I've pulled ahead in the race to come join the horror city. Fingers crossed, I suppose? I'm Emily.

[gettingoutalive]

Timing isn't important for much.

[captaincocksure]

You probably have.

It's a complex thing, though. On the one hand, pulling ahead--congratulations on your victory. On the other... horror city. Probably calls for condolences.

[emptychamber]

Daddy always said my competitive streak would get me into trouble.

Besides, I'm bored to death. And you're a very charming ambassador for it.

[captaincocksure]

There are all kinds of definitions of "trouble". Not all of them necessarily bad...

I've been trained and everything. To be an ambassador.

[emptychamber]

Oh? I suppose a city like this one would be a challenge to sell, though I assume it has upsides beyond "better than nothing."

[captaincocksure]

In the interests of full disclosure I should tell you I'm not trained to be an ambassador of this specific city. And I'm a little rusty on being an ambassador at all, I've been occupying myself hitting things and just skirting trouble. But I'll give it my best shot:

There are good people there, people willing to band together and try to help each other out in the face of inexplicable tests, terror, and temptation. People who haven't just laid down and given up when their life's been turned upside down without their permission or interest. We all manage to live, and thrive, despite all the crap we're put through.

It's not just "better than nothing". It's better than we were expected to do, better than we might think of ourselves. So there's that in the city's favor.

[emptychamber]

[She claps, joking but not mocking per se.] You're quite a powerful speaker-!

What kind of things do you hit?

[captaincocksure]

Thank you; I try.

Mostly things--including people--that want to hurt or take advantage of innocent people--innocent people or people who don't have anyone else to stand up for them.

[emptychamber]

You are a boy scout. Do you get cats out of trees for little old ladies too?

[captaincocksure]

Yes. I even help them across the street, but only if they ask, I would never presume any lady is helpless.

[emptychamber]

A cookie for the clever boy. A cane is an excellent place for a concealed weapon, after all.

[captaincocksure]

And that's an ass-kicking I'd have coming, assuming a lady was so harmless and helpless as to need me to step in.