video

[subourbon]

[The video starts with Alison perfectly centered in the frame. Her hair has been pulled back into a very tidy ponytail, her shoulders are squared, and her smile is wide, if a little fixed, as if she’s practiced and prepared for this address. She clears her throat a little before beginning, making sure to attract the undivided attention of the viewer.]

Hello, everyone! My name is Alison Hendrix and I am apparently the newest member of this “import” population. I just thought I’d introduce myself and say how much I am looking forward to meeting you all, especially those of you in Heropa 31!

[She pauses for a second to quickly glance down at her cue cards before clearing her throat again.]

I've been assigned the role of "Event Planner", so I would like to announce the opening of Every Last Detail Event Planning. Since the government apparently believes in my ability to build a business from the ground up with only the bare minimum, I would love to reach out to the community to make any industry contacts that might prove to be mutually beneficial.

[There's an edge of bitterness to her tone when she mentions the government, because these people clearly have no idea about the amount of work it's going to take to get something like this running.]

I am very experienced in this field, so please do not hesitate to contact me with any inquiries you may have. Every Last Detail Event Planning will always deliver a spectacular and unforgettable event, whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or fundraiser!

[She hopes her confidence is convincing enough. She technically planned that shotgun wedding for Margaret in college, and she was always involved in every fundraiser and community theatre production in her community.]

Thank you for your time and attention, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Comments

[newwaver]

Yes. You won. Congratulations.

We had a celebratory dinner and everything.

[subourbon]

[Making a happy little giggling noise as she clasps her hands together, because Alison Hendrix almost never wins at anything in life! ... not that she'd admit that out loud!]

I can't believe it! I won! Oh, I wish I could see Marci Coates' face!

[newwaver]

Well, look at it this way. You'll have something to look forward to when you get home.

[subourbon]

[Well that effectively popped her temporary moment of happiness.]

If I get home.

[newwaver]

You will. [He sounds a lot more certain than he feels about that, but...]

Everyone says so. Not to mention if I remember it and you don't it means it has to happen to you at some point, right? It only makes sense.

[subourbon]

Well, I guess it does.

Did anything else important happen?

[newwaver]

A few things? For you, though, that's probably the biggest.

...Sarah doesn't remember everything that's happened either.

[subourbon]

It's kind of comforting to know I'm not the only one, at least. Anyway, as long as everyone's safe, that's all that matters.