❖ 002 - Video

[spotlighted]

[Ruby's sat cross-legged on the floor of her apartment, wearing a dress that's obviously handmade, and bears a great resemblance to the outfits she wore during her time in the USO. A big flag recognizable as the star spangled banner is spread out on the floor in front of her, and she's busy sewing on stars in the top left hand corner as she switches the device on to record. Unlike the modern American flag, however, this one has only 48 stars, the number of states in the Union in Ruby's time.]

Anyone else feeling especially patriotic today?

[A proud smile as she affixes the next star in place.]

Oh, I meant to ask about this already - I'm looking for some place to sing. I've had a couple of auditions, but apparently times have moved on and the places I went to thought that jazz music was just old fashioned. I'm not sure I can bear secretarial work much longer, even though it's only been a few days. I'm happy to come over and audition any time, my repertoire is mostly the old standards, but I'm happy to learn pretty much anything.

[She's been sewing as she speaks, and now holds up the completed flag.]

There, now. Isn't that simply grand?

Comments

Video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Bizarrely patriotic, in fact.

[Says the man wearing an American flag tie.]

You're a jazz singer? I might be interested.

Video

[spotlighted]

Well, at least you're doing your part. I'm very glad to see someone with the same flag as me. [A friendly, beaming smile, that's as much towards the stars and stripes as it is him right now.]

Really? [She sounds so excited and hopeful.]

Re: Video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Really. It might not be a full time gig, but if you were interested in some weekend work, I'd be interested in hearing you audition.

Video

[spotlighted]

[Her face drops just a little at hearing that it wouldn't be full time, but she covers it up as best she can. It's far better than nothing, after all.] I'm more than interested. I'm happy to come over any time to audition.

Re: Video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[He notices the slight disappointment, of course, but simply offers a smile.]

The way I see it, you get a couple part time gigs going, you can decide where you want to work most, then tell the other places that you'll leave unless they pay you more. Works every time.

[valentineluke]

Interesting choice of sewing attire, Miss Ross.

[spotlighted]

Betsy Ross only had thirteen stars to sew, I have forty-eight - I'd say I've got my work cut out a little more than she did. But thanks, it seemed appropriate really, though I haven't worn anything like this in a long time.

[valentineluke]

It's fifty nowadays - Alaska and Hawaii were added.

[spotlighted]

They brought in Hawaii but not Puerto Rico? [She sounds a little surprised.] I guess they wanted to stop on a nice, round number.

[horseish]

Are you very good at singing?

[spotlighted]

I sure am! I was the talk of New York for a good while.

[horseish]

I'd like to hear you if ever get a job singing here.

[spotlighted]

Of course! I don't know if jazz music would sound awfully old fashioned to a kid, but it would be a pleasure.

[had_not_lived]

Have you tried the Blue Light? I think it's the nicest place here, personally.

[spotlighted]

The Blue Light, huh? I'll definitely try there.

[had_not_lived]

I don't know if they'd be looking to hire anyone on a regular basis, but I'm sure you could work something out. And, well, there's lots of places.

Is that what you do at home? Sing?

[spotlighted]

I'll enquire into it, and continue looking around. I'm sure there's plenty of places in this city that I haven't tried yet, after all.

Yes, I've been singing ever since I left school. Jazz mostly, especially big band stuff, but I sing all types of jazz.

video;

[anunluckypenny]

[This video couldn't be more awkward if it tried.]

That flag looks amazing. Did you do it all by hand?

[Um.]

I'm Penny--I mean, I'm sorry. I'm Penny, too, but--everything I said the other day was totally out of line, and if there's anything I can do to make up for it... I could put in a word for you at the Blue Light, or something...?

video;

[spotlighted]

[Well, this was the last person she expected to respond. Ruby stiffens a little.]

Yes, every last stitch. The outfit, too.

[And then Penny continues to speak and Ruby softens.]

You're certainly right that it was out of line, but it seems like several people were that day. I just had the bad luck to meet them while they weren't themselves. Apology accepted. [She smiles gently.] I have those clothes washed and pressed, and I've set aside the money I owe you from the clerical work I've had. I was just going to come round one day and leave them outside the door to the Welcome Center, I didn't want to have to deal with you again after that debacle. No offense.

You're the second person to suggest the Blue Light to me, I will certainly have to look into it. If you would put in a good word, that would be very kind of you.

video;

[anunluckypenny]

You're really good... they both look fantastic.

[Penny's just pleased that Ruby didn't hang up on her--not that she'd blame her.]

Thank you so, so much. I don't deserve a second chance, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate it--um. I'm sorry, what's your name?

Oh... no offense taken, I promise, and it's so sweet of you to do that.

The Blue Light's a really nice place and the owner's a friend. I'm sure you'd like it there, and it's seriously the least I can do.

video;

[spotlighted]

[She can't help but smile proudly then, modesty never really was her strong suit.] They do, don't they? It's certainly a nice thing to be able to have, too, after being torn away from the States so suddenly.

Oh nonsense. It's perfectly clear now that you were under the influence of something nasty. The more I hear about these curses, it seems like I'm going to have to start being lenient with people as a matter of course around here. And the name's Ruby.

Really? Because I was under the impression that it wouldn't be a welcome gesture.

That sounds just grand. I'd really appreciate it.

video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

A singer and craftsy? How nice.

I have to admit, I'm curious to see you perform.

video;

[spotlighted]

I'm not usually this craftsy, but I suppose with no American flags around, it's the only option, really.

Of course you are, who wouldn't be? [She's never been one for modesty.] Well, as soon as I've found somewhere to sing, you can come see for yourself.

video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

There's a disheartening amount of Soviet flags as well.

[He puffs a bit. She's about as modest as he is]

I look forward to it.

video;

[spotlighted]

Disheartening? Too many or not enough for you?

Fantastic. As soon as I'm set up, I'll let you know. I'll even buy you a drink after my set.