Thread Roulette: In My Experience

[Event !]

Miles Jones and Sophie Tillman have been invited to the Globe Theater to dress like Mr. Rogers and have a heart-to-heart televised discussion about travel, politics, and life experience.

[Miles Degrasse Jones]

    Miles wasn't sure which was more infuriating; the itchy sweater (the presence of which he was constantly reminded by the slight scratch on his neck) or the bright lights and big cameras pointed in his face. 

    His discussion buddy, whom he had not formally met, sat next to him, and to the left of her sat the moderator of their discussion.  Miles couldn't tell whether her age or weight was less appealing, but then again he wouldn't let himself look at her for long periods at a time.  What he could spend time on, however, was the knowledge that Connor Riley would be watching the live stream of this conversation on the internet.

    The image of Connor sitting there, beaming at his little laptop, was the one white star in Miles's black hell that was this day. Miles wished desperately that Connor could be here in person.  When the network had told him he'd be going to "The Globe", he was ecstatic.  That would've meant a paid vacation to England to see Connor.  But alas, he hadn't realized that Pilot Ridge had its own little Globe Theatre downtown.  Connor's presence-the warm look in his eye, the bright welcome in his smile, the ironic sweater he would've worn to mock Miles's predicament- could've made the whole ordeal seem livable.     

    At least there wasn't any water on stage.

    "Welcome to our discussion, thank you for coming."  Miles tuned in to his surroundings as the moderator introduced the talks, making a pretty good effort at disguising his discomfort.

    "Joining me on the stage today are two very interesting people-Sophie Tillman and Miles Degrasse Jones."  The moderator smiled and turned towards Miles.  "I almost introduced the two of you as 'interesting Americans', but Miles, you aren't a native American, is that correct?"  Miles forced a smile and nodded.  The portly woman continued.  "Ah yes! A Metahuman from Russia, alumni of the infamous Odennaryi Institute.  What's life like for a Meta in Russia, compared to England and America?"

    Miles smirked.  "Colder."  A quiet laugh rippled over the Globe.  "In every sense of the word, actually.  Russians are very...image conscious.  We are taught that not having control over our specialties makes us inherently weak."  Miles frowned and crossed his arms.  "It is a cultural issue that Russia is going to have to get over if they want to grow as a country and as a culture.  It is the same issue that fuels this hatred towards homosexuals."  The moderator frowned at him-a caring frown, a surprisingly good imitation of empathy for any word that he was saying.  He could see the apathy in her eyes, though.  Oh well.

    He shrugged.  "I have to give them credit, though.  They get results."  The moderator smiled.  "Judging from the fact that you haven't burned anything down recently, I would have to agree."  The crowd laughed, which was odd to Miles because he didn't find anything particularly humorous about the statement.  Oh well again.  "I am a legal U.S. citizen now though, I assure you."  Miles faked a warm smile for the aging interviewer.

    The moderator turned her attention to the woman on stage next to him.  Miles politely turned his head towards her to listen to their exchange.