BWI Airport Portalocity Lounge, Saturday

[scarlet_and_indigo]

The plane down from New York hadn't taken long, but after all the time in airports, TJ was ready to be done with it all, and was regretting her refusal to let Dad take her in the jet. But nope, she was doing this on her own, no overprotective parents around.

Somehow, she thought the biggest danger here was going to be glitter. The stuff was everywhere. Most of it was concentrated on a huge banner that read FANDOM HIGH, but it never stayed just where you put it, did it?

She wheeled her suitcase over to one of the seats and perched on the back of the seats, tail out for extra balance, and took out her phone to text back that yes, Dad, yes, Mom, she'd made it just fine. And then maybe to whine to Aunt Kate about how she'd had to do that.


[Newbie shuttle ahoy!]

Comments

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[scarlet_and_indigo]

"Is he?" TJ asked. "We've got the real and the charlatans back home."

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[nostemneeded]

"Yeeees?" Meeka said, momentarily dubious. And then, more firmly. "Yes. My world has no magic."

Hey wanna guess who was going to get an unpleasant surprise in about a year?

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[scarlet_and_indigo]

TJ nodded. "So what's Zamunda like, apart from a booming floral business?" she teased.

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[nostemneeded]

"Oh it is the most beautiful country," Meeka said immediately, the smile on her face smaller but warm and genuine. "We are one of the wealthiest countries in Africa--" Okay the wealthiest because they didn't have a Wakanda to compete with but that seemed like bragging "--and we have spent most of our funds on ensuring the well-being and comfort of all of our residents. And, yes, while we do have many fine gardens and parks, we have also preserved a great deal of wild land, as we have a thriving animal population. The, ah, last queen was very active in protecting our native species from poachers and the difficulties of climate change and human encroachment. Zamunda is home to the biggest population of wild lions than anywhere else in Africa!"

Her smile was much brighter now, talking about home. She wasn't homesick yet - she hadn't been gone long enough for that - but it was nice being able to share the best parts of Zamunda with someone.

"We have universal healthcare, with more than a thousand hospitals, thirty-two colleges and universities, with the twenty-one public universities offering free tuitionto Zamundan citizens or descendants of Zamundans currently living outside our borders - which, as of 1997 includes the descendants of enslaved people living in America - and very robust social programs to aid our people when tough times befall them!"

All of which are very normal things that a normal Zamundan citizens know off the top of their head, thank you.

"Oh! And the only remaining McDowell's franchise!"

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[scarlet_and_indigo]

Did TJ look impressed? Because TJ was very impressed. "Damn, you've got it all together! That's amazing! What's McDowell's?" That was the only thing that didn't make sense to her.

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[nostemneeded]

"It is a fast food chain not-affiliated with and legally distinct from McDonalds," Meeka replied promptly. "...My grandfather owns it."

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[scarlet_and_indigo]

"Gotcha." TJ nodded. "It sounds beautiful. Zamunda, I mean, not specifically the fast food."

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[nostemneeded]

"Oh it is!" Meeka said happily. "The wind carries the scent of flowers and the nights have music and dancing with everyone in bright colors and..." She trailed off and shook her head. "I love my home very much and am quite proud of it. Is that how you feel about yours?"

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[scarlet_and_indigo]

TJ thought about it and shrugged. "I mean, I like New York. My family's there, and it's got its good points. I can't say it's really beautiful or anything, though. And let's face it, the country is kind of a mess at the best of times."

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[nostemneeded]

"...Your country certainly does have some...exciting opportunities for growth and renewal," Meeka said, a lifetime of diplomatic training coming to the rescue.

Re: Wait for the shuttle

[scarlet_and_indigo]

TJ laughed. "Yeah, that's one way to put it. I may have to remember that."