3. [video]

[pompous_today]

Who: Simon Tam and you
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Bloodsport
When: March 17th

[When the broadcast turns on, several colorful economy-sized bottles are sitting on the floor, and Simon turns the camera on himself, looking puzzled.]

Ah- is there a reason sponsors would have sent me- [he squints at one of the bottles] - deluxe beard shampoo when I have no facial hair?

Comments

[puro]

From my experience, when it comes to otherworldy captors, it's better to play their game and find a way to turn it against them than fight them every step of the way.

[pompous_today]

[Simon sighed and crossed his arms, though he nodded agreement again.] I also have my sister to think of- I want to be able to provide for her as much as I can. I can't do that if I turn away any chance I might get to help her.

[puro]

You think she might get some help here?

[He's genuinely curious.]

[pompous_today]

There are others here- people who have abilities like she has. Psychic powers. My hope is that they can help her gain some level of control. ... It's not something I can really help her with, as I do not have any powers like that myself.

[puro]

That's true, and she's a good person. She deserves that help, to maybe find some peace.

[pompous_today]

It is all I want... for her to be happy. I wish I could do more to help her with that, but I can't do everything for her. I have to remind myself of that sometimes.

[puro]

But doing what you can means the world. The fact you've tried is more important than anything.

[pompous_today]

And I know she appreciates it, too. I just... like being able to fix things. I suppose it is part and parcel of being a surgeon- I take pride in being able to mend and repair.

[puro]

Even when there are some things you can't completely fix?

[pompous_today]

Especially then. I mean, it was impressed upon us in med school that we would have to cope with the stress of there being patients we could not save, and I came to terms with that. My sister is different, though- she's my sister, not just any patient.

[puro]

Of course she isn't. Family...it makes all the difference. She's someone connected to you in a way no normal patient could ever be.

[pompous_today]

Precisely. And she and I have been through a lot already... we've been close ever since she was a baby, though I'm around 10 years older than she is. She has always looked to me for friendship and companionship, and now as her caretaker.

[puro]

It is good of you, to take care of her. I'm an only child, but I have a friend I see as a brother. I'd be lost without him, but even he and I are not as close and you and River. It's a wonderful thing to see.

[pompous_today]

[Simon looked down, feeling himself going red.]

Thank you for saying so. I am lucky to have her here... I don't know what I would do with myself, honestly, aside from lose myself in my work.

[puro]

[Manolo knows that feeling. Without María, without the ability to get TO her, he's been feeling like a ghost. Ironically more dead than when he was actually dead. ]

It's important, to have those people who drive us.

[pompous_today]

It is. My life would certainly have been different without her... but I would not trade it for the world. She has kept me grounded and humble.

[puro]

Then I am glad you have one another, amigo.

[pompous_today]

I am, too. [Simon smiled before offering Manolo a bottle.] Want to take some of this off my hands?

[puro]

I don't think it would do me much good, amigo. But I'll save it, in case a friend ends up being brought in. He's got an impressive moustache.

[pompous_today]

I'd appreciate it. [He sniffed the bottle he was holding.] Lavender... and this one says it smells like roses. I have a whole bouquet, from the looks of things. Got a preference?

[puro]

You know, I never thought to ask him what he wants his moustache to smell like. I'd better pik one at random.

[pompous_today]

I'm not sure anybody gives it much thought, frankly. [Simon hands over a bottle.] Honeysuckle it is. I hope your friend enjoys if he shows up.

[puro]

I'm sure he will. Gracias, amigo.

[pompous_today]

Any time.