sirenspull | log no. 14

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log no. 14 - voice

[It sounds like Ms. Lynd is en route somewhere with traffic sounding in the background and the wind blowing hard over the audio. In fact, she's a little late to work due to sleeping over a certain someone's house.]

Good morning, Siren's Port. We've got plenty of interesting things planned for the end of this year and the holidays. The first thing that's coming up is a canned food drive to benefit less fortunate Newcomers or those who might need some help in having a good meal these days.

That's where Newcomer businesses come in. I was thinking, if any of you are interested, that maybe we could offer a free coupon book that includes your services to anyone who donates a specific amount. It would be a wonderful way to generate business amongst the community and to advertise.

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What a wonderful idea, Vesper. Los Pollos Hermanos will most definitely be participating. I've been looking for ways to get more involved with the community.

Then look no further than the community center. Raul and I are always taking suggestions on community involvement from festivals to parties and things such as job fairs.

We'll probably be doing another fundraiser too to raise money for citizenship classes and tests.

I didn't realize that was possible here -- becoming a citizen. Some of the aspects of Newcomer law still escape me, I guess.

I'm still brushing up on some of them myself, not to worry. But yes, you can become a citizen. How it works if you are returned home by the Core but come back to the island, I'm not sure.

Well, if I'm so fortunate, I think I'd be going back to my family before coming here. [Or just being dead.] But I take your point -- the Core does make that murky, doesn't it? For now, I think I'd better stay the way I am.

That said, is there anything else coming up I could help you with? The restaurant has me pretty busy, but I'd be glad to make time for the center.

We're also discussing a coat drive. We'd need some businesses to set up donation stations, if we do decide to do it.

But I've been thinking about having a program for potential community leaders. I haven't had time to run it by the board, but if you're interested, I would love to recommend you as our first.

Really? I'm flattered. And very grateful. [It's always gratifying to know one's plans are working.]

It's a bit of a rush since you just arrived on the island, but you've already resurrected your restaurant in an impressive span of time. What's the term Americans use? That "go-getter" attitude?

[Someone is still collecting information on this new place, and this message is very interesting.]

An island nation with food drives for the needy. That wasn't something I quite expected here. A bleed-over from Canada's more altruistic systems, or a necessity for an isolated society?

[Well that's certainly an interesting assessment of the situation.]

I'd like to say it's the former, but unfortunately it's most likely the latter. It's hard to get jobs here unless you're affiliated with either of the companies, but we're hoping to see a change in that soon. There are plenty of Newcomer businesses in the area.

If we're forced to make our own microeconomic system within the bigger picture of the island's in order to survive then so be it.

[That is even more interesting. An avenue to explore with sympathetic minds. Hm.]

Let us be honest; in urban places, it is always the latter. Unfortunate truths are still truths.

Then you would say that there is a concentrated effort to avoid the restraints levied by this SERO and AGI? I've noticed their own media implying that there is no area of the Port they don't touch. [Not that he believed such a thing; he's aware of the work required to truly stamp out any upstarts. There are always more cracks than can be plastered over.]

It's true they're everywhere, but Sector 4 seems to be the area we've claimed for ourselves. You of course have the sectors where their CEOs and presidents reside, strictly making them SERO or AGI "sectors."

But there's alot of resistance to the companies. That's not to say that some Newcomers do go the route of affiliation.

But not explicitly. Not under law. Though I am told the law is an amorphous thing for them. [A luxury John misses sometimes.]

I apologize, I'm being rude and you are quite patient with my questions. John Marcone.

Oh, it's not a problem. Vesper Lynd, director of the Newcomer Community Center. It's my job to answer Newcomers' questions.

Welcome to the Port, Mr. Marcone.

And fearlessly, I see. Most citizens I have struck up conversation with are less candid.

Thank you, Ms. Lynd. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. [If this were in person, Gentleman Johnny would kiss her hand. The quiet respect hopefully is detectable anyway.]

And a pleasure to make yours.

It's better that you're faced with the situation as it is right off the bat than find out just how hard it is for yourself. Are you situated in the Towers just fine?

We are, yes. My associate and I are looking for a Way home, [There is, oddly, a capitalization there in his voice, a proper noun.] but contingency plans are important. He's not much willing to consider the possibility of a long stay, so I have to.

Oh, well, it's wonderful that you arrived here with someone from your home. Many of us aren't that lucky.

[She chuckles.]

We all wish to go home at one point, but it's not something to actively look for. My colleague, Raul Creed, has been here for a long time. Some have been here so long that they've become citizens of the island.

Lucky. That... is a word, yes. [One night, John was going to throttle Dresden or vice versa, but sure.]

So everyone has said. I can't let my hope flag just yet. I have a city that needs me. [It's been over a week, and he refuses to think about the state his empire is in...]

That's something a superhero would say, Mr. Marcone.

[There's amusement in her voice because, well, they did have superheroes here.]

[There is even more amusement in his. Ms. Lynd, you literally could not be more mistaken.] Ha, I suppose it does sound a little ridiculous out loud. I'm a prominent businessman back home and I worry how my absence will be felt.

A curious balance, to worry for one's home but to obviously need to start rebuilding immediately. [Especially with Dresden single-mindedly working for the hypothetical trip home. Speaking of...]

Would you happen to have any positions open for a civic-minded combat wizard?

Well, nothing in terms of wizardry, but we do hold citizenship classes at the center and we're looking for someone to teach them. Granted, you'd have to learn the entire Port's history and laws in order to effectively teach Newcomers for their tests, but the position is still there.

Ah, that sounds more like my field, and I'm not anticipating needing work. But thank you.

You're very welcome.

That's very cynical, Mr. Marcone. For what it's worth: I can't speak for my competitors, Los Pollos Hermanos has always been very active in community involvement. That's been true everywhere I've lived.

Mr. Fring.

Perhaps I am a bit cynical. In my defense, my experiences are of Chicago, where cynicism is something of a vital life skill. Either way, the motivations hardly matter if the greater good is being upheld.

Ah, Chicago... I've never been, but I've heard stories. Of course, I come from Santiago-- [Ah, those fond memories of Pinochet.] --so I understand the desire for such self-preservation, but I suppose it just ended up having the opposite effect on me. I like to think of myself as an optimist.

But then, maybe we can all agree on your last point.

To come from one of the great cities of the world and not be a cynic is remarkable. I feel compelled to congratulate you.

Oh, believe me, many don't. But competition is the lifeblood of business. [So John hears, anyway. He hasn't had actual competition in years.]

No, no. It helps that I've been a very lucky [and rich] man. Even if that luck seems to have taken a turn in the last few months... [He misses all his money, bro.]

[John also misses his money. And power. Gustavo and John, destined to meet and amicably manipulate each other?]

You have my sympathies for that. Luck it worth more than any weapon, I find. Island troubles, or simply separation from home?

[They might be some kind of horrible soulmate.]

Oh, just the separation. The island has been very good to me, lack of powers aside. But it's difficult to be so far from home, I'm afraid you may also find.

Those both sound like good ideas. I would be happy to contribute food, as well as the services of both of my businesses.

How exciting! Your contribution is much appreciated. The event will probably take place within two weeks and I'll be getting in touch with all of you once more to finalize the booklet.

What are your businesses called?

Excellent, I look forward to it.

[He did like helping those in need]

Brooke's Music Store, and the Jasmine Dragon tea shop.

I suppose this means we should bring out the boxes. [Him sounding smug? Naw. Naw.]

As well as hit up phones and NVs. The old fashioned way does have some merit.

Should we also have donation sites at the businesses featured in the book? [Hush, Raul.]

[He's not saying anything! Just sounding smug.]

That would be a help. We could see about other places, as well. I do know some people in the underground mall, they're used to being asked to set up donations boxes and the like.

Excellent. This should go wonderfully.

Yes, I think it will. We'll have to come up with another idea, before the holidays run around again. Something to get the community in the spirit. We've held a winter ball, but... too many dances seem to lessen their excitement.

What about a decorating contest? But that would probably be limited to trees, wouldn't they? The Darkness is a fickle thing when it comes to decorations.

The darkness is a fickle thing when it comes to everything. We could have a tree of some kind in the center.

Ah, wait. I read once, about putting things on the tree, bits of paper, with something written on them. Whoever picked the paper must now buy something for the person who needs it.

Oh like a Secret Santa?

I believe that is the term? We could do that, as well, but what I was thinking of was more along the lines of another kind of giving... a tree with paper written on it with various household needs, which people pick and then buy for the family, or families.

Oh I think they call it a giving tree.

[okay a quick search might have helped her with that but whatever.]

That sounds like a wonderful idea.

[Hey, they never had anything like that back home. Ever. Which he needs to say out loud.]

I've only seen it in this city. We never had much gift giving back home, nor did we need to hold charity events. This place has changed my view of certain things.

Crossroads would love to donate, of course. We're always big supporters of fellow newcomers and their businesses. And the coupon book sounds like such a good idea. Placing some advertisements in it could be very beneficial.

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bedtime for mun

dahaha I passed out myself

aaaand I'm on the way to Skyfall now actually, ahaha

damn I still have yet to see it!

it was excellent

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Threadjack

8D

o yeah should probs have mentioned earlier that he has an accent going

I skimmed your app (avoiding major spoilers in cause I get time for BB), it's cool

OH DEAR I WILL PROCEED WITH CAUTION THEN...

heh not high on my agenda right now, no worrying

IT SHOULD BE.

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