21st September 1892 - In London - or not -

[in_a_flash_x]

I've just learned that I've been invited to take my show on tour in the new world - with a week's engagement in Chicago and a tour to the dozen or so largest American cities. This is excellent

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[talkback]

A boy, well, man, eighteen anyways, with a rather ornate staff eyes the newcomer, then offers a nod by way of greeting.

"New?"

[in_a_flash_x]

"To the bar here? Not at all, young man. Are you?"

As I have only met a few people here.

[talkback]

"Nope. I been here... a couple of months."

He shrugs.

"You just had that new guy look."

[in_a_flash_x]

"Ah. My apologies. I hadn't been expecting to enter this establishment. I was on my way to my salon to read."

A bit of a lie, but not an important one.

[talkback]

"Salon?"

Whoa, funny, the guy didn't look gay.

[in_a_flash_x]

"Yes. It's like a study. It has a desk and a chair, oftentimes books..."

Is this making sense to anyone but me?

[talkback]

"Are you weird? A salon is a place where guys go to get thier hair done."

[in_a_flash_x]

What? Then I remember people come here from different times.

"Not in 1892."

Which I hope is enough explanation.

[talkback]

"Whoa."

Chase shakes his head.

"That's, ancient."

[in_a_flash_x]

"As compared to what?"

[talkback]

"2006."

[in_a_flash_x]

"One-hundred fourteen years does not equate to 'ancient'," he says, straightforward.

[talkback]

"20 years is ancient, nowaday."

Really, now. 38 year olds are OLD!

[in_a_flash_x]

"Certainly, sir, are you quite mad?"

[talkback]

"Pretty sane actually."

Pause.

"You know, for a guy with a magic staff, a flying ship in the form of a frog, and a dinosaur for a pet."

[in_a_flash_x]

I find myself startled by that.

"I beg your pardon?"