[39] Coping Mechanism is Go
[Cissie has realized brooding is not her thing. Her thing is forced cheer and throwing herself into her work! She will kill you with friendliness, no matter how depressed she's feeling! And she doesn't even know the worst of it.]
So, looks like we've got a bunch of new people. Hi! [Cue cheerful friendly wave!] I'm Cissie, one of the wardens. If no one's filled you in on ports or floods yet, let me know, but I think I'm late to the welcome wagon.
[And now she turns her attention to everyone else and clears her throat, pausing for a second.]
So I've been thinking. If you go to the gym, you've probably noticed the archery equipment and targets and those of you who've spent time in there have probably seen me using them from time to time. [...Or every day.] I was wondering if there's any interest in lessons. Or, well, I know one person's interested, but that made me wonder if anyone else is. It's basically all about aim and precision and focus. Plus, it's really good for building upper body strength. And I don't know, I find it kind of relaxing too. If you're an inmate, I'll need your warden's approval, of course.
...I know some of you are probably wondering how much I can teach about archery, given my age and whatever, but I've been doing it seriously since I was five. And, um. [Cissie reaches into her pocket and pulls out her Item, which happens to be... a gold medal from the Olympics. That's right, she's showing everyone. She's so stupid. There's probably only a handful of people who she's shown up to this point, but hey, she's only partly thinking at the moment, and she worked damn hard for this, okay. Maybe she's just tired of taking hits to her self-esteem. Plus anyone who has seen her in the gym knows she's a good shot anyway. But yes, showing the medal is a Big Deal for her. Not that she's letting this show.] I do actually know what I'm doing.
[She gives a little smile and turns off the camera; the rest of these messages are text.]
[Private to Isaac]
Any interest? It's okay if you want to pass, but it might be fun. Also, how do you feel about a job? I've got a few things in mind, but I want you to have some choice in the matter.
...And how do you feel about animals?
[Private to Sylar]
What's going on with you lately
Did you seriously break up with me
What's wrong with you
[...Yeah, no, nevermind. Cissie changes her mind about a second later and deletes this entirely. She thinks you owe her an explanation, you jerk. :| But that's only because she's clueless about Steph at this point.]
[Private to Tim]
Hey. Is... How's everything? [In other words: 'Please tell me not hearing from you means Sylar didn't kill anyone, especially you. :|']