video } from "Images May Disturb You", the blog of Georgia Mason, entry #002

[choosetruth]

Hello.

[Georgia is sitting, unsmiling, at her desk, but her laptop is closed in front of her. There's a window open--she keeps them closed most of the time but she recognizes the value of being well lit when you're on camera. It means she has to be wearing her sunglasses, but that's nothing new either. She's almost never seen without them.]

I'm working on an article about the effectiveness of imPorts, especially superheroes, in establishing long-term positive change. If you consider change to be a goal, I would appreciate if you could take a few minutes to talk to me on the record.

[She adjusts slightly, leaning forward, her hands steepling in front of her.]

Whether or not you are actively working for it, I am also interested in hearing what would, to you, qualify as a positive change. I am aware of how subjective a topic it is. I do not intend to make a statement in any direction until I've gathered as many facts as possible to build my opinion.

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[choosetruth]

[Now, they're getting somewhere. She's not here for probably, though.]

Do you have numbers?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Oh yes. [A rustling of papers, as he adjusts his desk with the utmost academic appearance.]

... At least one.

[choosetruth]

Not very precise. [Her eyes might be hidden, but somehow, the eyeroll is clear.] I meant statistics. Before and after. Do you have those? Anything to back your claim?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I have statistics on risky behavior imPorts now toeing the line -- although, like with most ephemeral things in this world, the individuals are all but exported. We're looking at twelve over the years who I would count as potentially dangerous. I have but one remaining case study: Joseph Kavinsky.

Most of my imPort clients are otherwise riddled with anxiety or depression, and their success rate of disorder management nears 80%.

[choosetruth]

[It’s not exactly what she’s looking to learn, but she lets the point lie. It’s still an interesting angle even without specific numbers.]

Mr. Kavinsky is still here? Would you be willing to connect us?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Oh, have you interacted with him much already?

[He asked this lightly enough, but it is a loaded question.]

[choosetruth]

No. If I had, I wouldn't need you to connect us.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Should I be worried, then?

[choosetruth]

You'd know better than I would. I just want to talk.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A beat on his end. He doesn't want to seem like he's protective of Kavinsky.]

Of course. That is a perfectly normal thing to do.

[Nailed it.]

[choosetruth]

...well, I would have agreed if you didn't feel the need to point it out.

[What is he hiding?]

[slightlyoffchilt]

[He's hiding so much.]

I like pointing things out. One might call it my job, in fact.

[choosetruth]

[She's getting that sense.]

It is no one's job to point out that talking to someone is normal. Are you willing to make the introduction or not?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I am, certainly, yes. We could... do it at the hospital, if the environment suits you.