VIDEO

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[When it comes on, the video is well-framed and perfectly focused on a small, pudgy boy with neatly coiffed white hair. He takes a moment to adjust his tie, then the little American flag pin on his lapel, and then finally looks up.]

Oh, my! Did this thing start up already? Silly me. Well, this isn't anything formal, anyhow! I just thought I'd introduce my little ol' self. Hello, America! I'm Gideon Gleeful, new in town, just here to help... Where I can, you know, I just do what I can. I'd be real grateful if any of y'all could give me a few tips! It's hard to know what's what with all these darn powers and politics. Awful complicated, real nasty situation. But, oh, don't get me wrong, I'm still pleased as punch to be here! Thanks for havin' me. Truly, I mean that.

Well, I won't waste any more of your time, I know we got some busy folks out there! But do get back to me, I'd love to get to know all y'all. Bye bye now!

[And with a wink and a wave, he reaches out and ends the feed.]

Comments

[smallmediumatlarge]

I try to keep that ol' glass half full.

[rideme]

Uh... huh.

Sure. Must be exhausting.

[smallmediumatlarge]

Manners are their own reward.

[rideme]

So... if we're keeping glasses full and all... Why's the old man so pissed?

[Stan. You mean Stan, Bull.]

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He gets like that. Gettin' up there in years, if you know what I mean. Bless his heart.

[rideme]

... Nah, I don't. Want to elaborate?

[smallmediumatlarge]

[He says the next words in a stage whisper.]

He gets grumpy.

[rideme]

And that makes him... how'd you put it?

"Ruin everything"?

[smallmediumatlarge]

We're old business rivals, Stanford and I. He takes things a little too far sometimes. Doesn't sit right with me at all, no sir.

[rideme]

Ah-huh.

Well. Don't see how that'd be a problem here.

[smallmediumatlarge]

Let's hope bygones can be bygones and all that.

[rideme]

Sounds like a good plan.

Keep to it.