2nd Symbol: [Action/Voice]

[lookslikeajob]

[Clark is sitting outside on the porch of the Welcome Center, jotting down things in what looks like a very full notebook. He's clearly absorbed in his work, but he'll snap out of it if someone approaches

Comments

[Action]

[floral_powder]

[ The girl is probably heard coughing before she's seen padding by the Welcome Center. Polka sure does get out and about an awful lot since being brought here. But then, she made it her limited life's goal to meet and help as many people as she could, within her power at least. So spying Mr. Paperman over yonder, she tilts her head curiously and wanders -that-a-way, dusting her dress with both hands. ]

Good afternoon! [ And a curious motion to the pad follows. ] What are you doing?

[Action]

[lookslikeajob]

[He lifts his head as she approaches him and flashes her a smile.]

Afternoon, miss. I'm just taking down a few notes about this place.

[Action]

[floral_powder]

[ Blinkit. Notes? Polka folds her hands behind her back curiously. ]

What kind of notes? Like how many people are in the city and things?

[Action]

[lookslikeajob]

[He reaches over to flip his journal shut as he answers.]

More along the lines of what we know about Luceti.

[Action]

[floral_powder]

Oh! Like that guide for New Feathers that was written up a while back - I think her name was Miss Sage. Are you going to make it public in the journals the way she did as well, when it's done?

[Action]

[lookslikeajob]

Well, yes and no. This guide wouldn't be designed to be read over the journals. The Malnosso listen in on what we say over them, you know.

Tell me, miss. Have you ever heard of a newspaper?

[Action]

[floral_powder]

Really? [ Awww, they must lead really boring lives. ] I wonder why they don't talk to us...

Newspapers? Yes, I've heard of them; Frederic told me once. Is that what you're writing?

[Action]

[lookslikeajob]

I think they do, sometimes, but mostly they're content to observe and run their experiments. At least, from what I've heard and read.

That's the idea. I write for one back home, I've been thinking about applying that experience here.

[Action]

[floral_powder]

I suppose that's true. I don't think I've talked to one myself. I think I'd like to.

Maybe they're staying away because of all the people who are angry with them here.

Oh I see! That would be wonderful -- um.. [ ... ... .. Ohsnaps, Polka just got into conversation without introducing herself. Bad POlka, bad! ]

Oh! I'm terribly sorry, my name is Polka. I should have introduced myself from the beginning; please forgive my manners.

[Action]

[lookslikeajob]

Well I'd have to assume that's at least part of the reason. People don't tend to like being cooped up.

[He smiles.] Pleasure to meet you, Polka. I'm Clark Kent.

[Action]

[floral_powder]

I suppose you're right. But it's really not all that bad here.

Oh! And it's very nice to meet you too.

[Action]

[lookslikeajob]

Well it's good to hear that at least some people are alright here. But a lot of people would disagree with you.

[Action]

[floral_powder]

Yes, I'm sure that they would. But being here - ... [ Polka paused, trying to think of how to put it in words. ] I guess you could say that I have reason to be here, or at least it feels like I do.

Have you ever felt you had a calling like that? Where there was something only you could do, and no matter where you were, you would do what you could?

[Action]

[lookslikeajob]

All the time. [He nods decisively.] It's why I do my job.