003; VIDEO

[notyourfathersosborn]

[When the video turns on, Normie’s sitting in front of an impeccable desk, with a stunning view of De Chima behind him courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows in his office. Yes, sadly he’s at work, attempting to catch up on everything he’s missed in the past month. Still, he’s managed to find time to send out a video to the network. Why no, he isn’t procrastinating. What makes you say that?]

So it appears that I’ve lost almost the entire month of October here, thanks to getting ported out. While I’d be lying if I didn’t say it wasn’t nice to see all of my friends from back home again, even if it was like a day and a half, I’m weirdly glad to be back. Not going to lie, I never thought I’d say that.

Anyway, sorry if I scared anyone with my unexpected absence, especially you, Riku.

I’m slowly working my way through old network posts to see what I missed, but if anyone would be so kind as to fill me in on any of the highlights… or well, with this place, asking for lowlights would probably be a good idea too, I’d appreciate it. Man, I gotta admit I’m a little peeved I missed Halloween. It was nowhere near October back home, so technically I missed it twice. Guess my costume’s just going to collect mothballs until next year. Uh, well, if I’m still here, that is. I’m totally eating the candy, though. There has to be some perk to all of this.

[Normie fidgets, attempting to think of something else to say. Someone clearly doesn’t want to go back to work. ]

Oh, seeing as I missed all of the new arrivals last month, I should probably introduce myself. Normie Osborn. I’m currently the Vice President of OsCorp. We specialize in chemical R&D and distribution, electrical engineering, and tech development. While we’re obviously looking for anyone who specializes in any of those fields, even if you’re not and you’re looking for a job, talk to me and we’ll see if we can’t work something out.

[ It’s probably just your imagination that he doesn’t seem to put his all into that pitch.]

With that out of the way, I’m also a mechanical engineer, so if you need anything created or repaired, I’d be more than willing to help you with that. Do you have any idea how much a month’s worth of paperwork is? It’s not pretty. Someone please help by distracting me with something cool to make or fix. Or anything, really. I’m not picky at this point.

[Normie looks down at the stack of said papers, just off screen, and it reminds him of something. ]

Oh, one more thing real fast, because by now I’ve really gone on for far too long… I had been planning on creating a STEM program aimed at getting kids here more into STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education if you haven’t heard of the acronym before, but seriously thanks to this unexpected hiatus my planning’s gone sideways. Would this be something anyone else would be interested in helping me get off the ground? I was thinking of an organization that would create after school programs and workshops that would be low cost or free to the kids attending, but I’m open to suggestions.

Thanks guys. I’m done now, I promise.

[Sigh. Time to go back to work.

For now.]

Comments

[notyourfathersosborn]

My wife.

Oh.... I'm so sorry. I can definitely understand why this would be better.

[Normie also pauses before answering.] I'm not foolish enough to believe that I can change the hearts and minds of everyone. No one can do that. But that doesn't mean that we should all just give up because the worst of us leave a more lasting impression. None of us have a say as to whether or not we get brought here, but we do have a say in what we can bring to the community that's taken us in. I just want to make a positive one.

[youbastard]

Ah. That would make this place a lot better for you I imagine.

Don't be sorry. It's my life and the generations before me are the ones that did it to themselves.

That's very true and a very good way to look at things. There's never harm in trying and maybe a few good impressions could lead to something bigger. As long as nothing major ruins it.

[notyourfathersosborn]

[Chuckles.] You know, I didn't even mean it like that. Don't get me wrong, I love her and I'd love to see her here, but I was honestly just thinking about Brenda and how she'd enjoy being here.

I hope when you return your world can find some kind of solution.

[Smiles a little.] Hey we're trying to think positive here.

[youbastard]

You know, that is a sentiment I can understand. I have a friend I feel the same about.

I don't think we will. To be honest the last I saw was...well, very bad. [ She smiles and quickly moves on ]

I'm not especially good at positive. I swear I used to be better, but I lost some of the talent recently.

[notyourfathersosborn]

Yeah? What are they like?

[Takes the hint and doesn't push it further.]

To be honest, I used to be the opposite. I used to see the worst in everything, but a dear friend of mine helped me begin to change my ways. It's never too late to begin to see the good in things.

[youbastard]

Carver is... well, he can be a bit difficult to get along with. [ Her tone is light but there's a small little smirk. Difficult is actually generous. ] He has a good heart but a very bad temper. He didn't deserve what happened to him and it'd be nice to see him here where there's a chance at...well, a lot of things. A lot more chances than there are in our world.

[ She gives a smile. ]

I guess you're right, it's never too late, but it gets to be hard after a while. I'm glad you found a friend like that though. Was it here?

[notyourfathersosborn]

[He definitely catches the tone.] Difficult or no, I hope I'll get to meet him some day. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?

No arguments from me there. But that friend also taught me that there's things that are worth fighting for, and I'd say that's one of them.

No, back home, actually.

[youbastard]

I hope so too. I can't say I imagine you'd like him, he can be an acquired taste. [ 90% of people hate him. ]

There's a lot worth fighting for. I learned that back home. [ A beat ] Sounds like a great friend though, I'm sorry they're not here.

[notyourfathersosborn]

Not gonna lie, your honesty's refreshing.

Yeah, there is. Sometimes, things you don't even realize you should be fighting.

They were here, actually. Briefly. Unfortunately for me, but fortunate for them, I suppose, they're back home already.

[youbastard]

Not many people say that, but thanks.

Sometimes that's very true.

How long ago was that?

[notyourfathersosborn]

I mean it. Most people would sugarcoat it to make it more palatable for someone else. Sometimes you need to hear the truth.

It's why I'm careful in the battles I choose now.

We both arrived in February, and they left in April, so.... 7 months ago.