Text- Introduction time

[smilingarmor]

[Is that a new username you see on the network? By golly it is!]

Well, this is quite an interesting situation we've found ourselves in, isn't it?

I'm still not certain quite what to make of this whole business, but I thought I should introduce myself. My name is Emberto Alegre, and as I recently discovered, I'm now one of the 'Different'. Or perhaps I always was; the 'Martin' fellow who spoke to me about it wasn't exactly clear on that point

...On a side note, 'Different' is a very dull sounding name for a group connected by such fantastical circumstances, don't you think? One would think that a group whose job it is to deal with such things would be able to come up with something better than that. But then I suppose government agencies aren't exactly known for their creativity.

In any case, I look forward to getting to know you all. Beyond that, I suppose we'll just have to see where this unusual ride takes us.

Comments

[smilingarmor]

Haha! Well I can certainly add a few to the wall if you like.

And I heard that there are in person group meetings as well, so we could always collect suggestions the old fashioned way there too. And then we could put any that were collected to a vote to see what people liked.

[traceofeffort]

Yes, we do have the support group meetings! I'm not super fond of them for various reasons, but they're useful for certain, specific things. That might be one of them. If you're going to one of those, though, bring someone with you. And also bring your own snacks, the Bureau isn't exactly paying for the name brand stuff.

[smilingarmor]

Heh, good to know. I'll be sure and bring a little something to share if I go. And perhaps find a way to brighten them up a bit, as such things can tend to be rather dull affairs.

[traceofeffort]

Ugh, dull isn't even the half of it. It's just that I never really feel at ease. It's weird, but I feel like I have to watch my back. I don't know everyone. I don't even know a LOT of the people. But, uh, it also is kinda dull. And I don't like to talk about myself at those things. I feel like I'd stand out too much.

[Or not stand out enough, which might be even scarier, really.]

[smilingarmor]

Well if you ever need to go to one again, I'll be glad to join you; I can stand out enough for both of us, and with me around, you won't need to watch your back.

[traceofeffort]

I try to hit them relatively often - not everyone thinks to try the network right away, so sometimes it's a faster way to meet new people and make sure they don't get lost in the chaos. At least a few times a month? I don't have the free time to go all the time, but every so often's a good idea. If you're up for it, I'll invite you ahead of time if I' m swinging by?

[smilingarmor]

That sounds like an excellent plan. I'd love to meet some of my fellow 'Different' face to face.

[traceofeffort]

Sounds good! I'll keep you posted, then. They run them all the time, so there's plenty of chances, and if you want to come but you can't make one I'll just pick another date? My schedule's pretty flexible for the next couple months now that spring semester's over.

[smilingarmor]

Unless I'm rehearsing for a show, mine is generally fairly flexible too. So I'm sure we'll manage it sooner or later.

[traceofeffort]

Sounds like a plan, then! A show, though? Are you a musician, or something else?

[smilingarmor]

Actor, actually though I do sing and play an instrument or two. I actually own and run a little theater on the West Side. And as anyone involved in the theater will tell you 'I can't; I have rehearsal' is inevitably going to be a phrase you use a few times during the lead up to any show.

[traceofeffort]

Oh, cool! I'll have to swing by one of these days. I'm not normally a theater nut but I can always make an excuse for a good show. And I'd get the whole "sorry, rehearsal" thing myself, but when you're a one-girl band, you can't exactly say you have plans with other people. Even when I DO have a show coming up.

[smilingarmor]

Let me know ahead of time that you're coming, and I can give you a backstage tour.

Ooh, and a 'one girl band' eh? Sounds interesting. You'll have to let me know when you've got a performance coming up so that I can get a ticket.

[And if applicable, maybe even promote her to a few people in the industry.]

[traceofeffort]

Sure! I can always use a little more culture in my life, I think. And I'm sure it'll be fun to watch.

I've been playing country music wherever I can find a spot for years now. I'm not a big enough deal to play a big-time show myself, but I make do with the small gigs I can get, the bars and the occasional live house. I'm around the city a few nights a week, so... Oh, and then there's what I'm getting in my memories, but I haven't had the courage to play that in front of anyone outside, well. Us.

[smilingarmor]

I'll look forward to it then!

Oh? I'd love to hear a song from your memories! I'm sure they're lovely! And that the rest of your music is too, even if country isn't a genre I usually follow closely. Do you write your own songs, or do you stick mostly to covers?

[traceofeffort]

Covers, I'm garbage at writing. I'm starting to think my other self was, too. Maybe I just need more practice, though.

[smilingarmor]

Practice does make perfect, as they say, but try not to stress too much over it, especially at first. If playing music is what you love, focus on that aspect for now; you have plenty of time to get better at writing.

[traceofeffort]

Mm. That's pretty much it. I enjoy playing, so I play. I'll keep trying to write something I'm not embarrassed to play in front of actual people, but until then, Garth hasn't steered me wrong yet.

[smilingarmor]

Excellent. I certainly look forward to hearing what you do with Garth, then.