video;

[usaf]

[ The video opens on Carol at the airfield where she works, finishing up some maintenance on a Cessna Skywagon. She has a rag in one hand and a wrench in the other, her phone propped up on something to capture the scene. ]

There have been some more... informal polls online lately. [ She's looking at you, Bow... ] For once, I have a more serious question to ask.

I've been giving a lot of thought to what I'm going to do with my time here. So far, I've been assigned the job of Flight Instructor at Heropa Airfield, which... Don't get me wrong, it fits. I can do it. But it's not exactly what I've been training my whole life to do. Back home, a... while ago, admittedly... I was in the Air Force. And I heard that imPorts can join the Air Force here, but there's a caveat: They need to be registered first.

I've been here a couple months now, but I haven't registered yet, because I don't know how I should feel about the government having my name on a list. That's why I'm coming to you, for... advice, I guess? Opinions?

Should I register? Should I not? What are the pluses and minuses to each option?

[ Okay, that's enough sincerity for one afternoon. Carol's face breaks out in a sarcastic grin. ]

Or if you just want to tell me your favorite animal, that's fine, too.

Comments

[usaf]

You're going to have a tattoo no matter what, and you WANT it to say "UNSETTLED?"
That just makes it look like you can never make up your mind.

[criminallysane]

No, no. It just says I didn't settle.

One never should, imo.

[usaf]

Okay, I guess I can't argue with that.

[criminallysane]

So glad we found some common ground!

You know, you're not nearly as awful as people say.

[usaf]

Who's been saying I'm awful?

[criminallysane]

[ Nobody. Absolutely nobody. He's just being an ass. ]

It's nothing you should worry over, truly. I'm sure they didn't mean it.

You know how petty people can be. Especially when they're jealous.

[usaf]

Whatever. I don't care what people think of me.

[ Only a little bit... ]

I just didn't think anyone had noticed me.

[ Carol, you're literally a bright glowing streak flying through the sky on a daily basis. How can they not have noticed? ]

[criminallysane]

Nor should you! Can't live your whole life trying to please other people, now. That's the real path to madness.

Gotta admit, though: I'm surprised that you're surprised. You must realize how striking you are.

[usaf]

"Striking." I guess that's one word for it.

[criminallysane]

Just like lightning, yes. Brilliant and lethal.

[usaf]

Oh, so you have seen me.

[criminallysane]

Not as much as I'd like, if you want to know the truth of it.

[usaf]

Is that a pickup line?

[criminallysane]

Oh, I wouldn't dare!

[ He most certainly would. ]

I just appreciate a woman who takes the word knockout literally, that's all.

[usaf]

Well... Your appreciation is appreciated.

[criminallysane]

Why, how kind of you!

Listen, what say you let me take you out for a coffee sometime? (Strictly platonically, of course!) I'd like to get your opinion on something.